Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Smyrna, GA: $21.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Smyrna, GA runs $21.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,872 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,323 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, GA, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 is set at $21.09, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for part-time dental assistants, especially those working three days a week, allowing for flexibility in balancing work with personal commitments. Per-diem dental assistants, who often fill in at various clinical settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices, can expect pay ranging from $16.46 to $26.89, depending on their experience and the complexity of procedures. The entry-level wages (10th percentile) start around $16.46 per hour, while top earners, representing the 90th percentile, can make up to $26.89. Such variability in pay reflects the diverse working environments and roles that dental assistants engage in within the Smyrna area.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.46 | $131.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.42 | $155.37 |
| Median (P50) | $21.09 | $168.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.39 | $203.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.89 | $215.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $21.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.09/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, GA can expect to earn approximately $43,872 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,311. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $843.69 | $3,656 | $43,872 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $506.21 | $2,194 | $26,323 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $337.47 | $1,462 | $17,549 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Smyrna) | $21.09 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Smyrna, GA earn a median of $43,872 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.51% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.20% below the Georgia state average of $45,322.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.09/hr = $26,323/year (purchasing power: $28,274).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,872/year (purchasing power: $47,123).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Smyrna grew 19.9% from $17.05/hr (2019) to $20.45/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.75/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Smyrna
Understanding the earning potential for part-time dental assistants reveals significant differences compared to full-time roles. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week (3 days) at the median hourly rate can expect to take home approximately $26,267 annually, a figure that is considerably less than what full-time colleagues earn. Meanwhile, per diem dental assistant pay in Smyrna can range from $22 to $35 per hour, and even higher for specialized roles, reaching $28 to $45 in oral surgery and orthodontic practices. The variability in hourly rates often depends on the type of employer, with dental support organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen offering consistent pay scales, whereas specialty practices may compensate at a higher rate to attract niche talents. Although some dental assistants may opt for positions offering lower hourly compensation, they often do so for the health insurance and benefits that come with full-time employment. For hourly workers in Smyrna looking to negotiate pay, emphasizing specialized skills, like expanded function authority—which can lead to significantly higher hourly rates—may improve their overall compensation.
More salary data for Smyrna, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Smyrna in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Smyrna?
Are dental assistants in Smyrna paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Smyrna?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Smyrna?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Smyrna. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Smyrna is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov