Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in South Fulton, GA: $21.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in South Fulton, GA runs $21.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,732 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against South Fulton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,443 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Fulton, Georgia, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $21.99, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate impacts both full-time and part-time workers in settings like general dentistry operatives and pediatric dental suites. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week could yield significant earnings, though this may vary based on experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at around $15.81, while those with extensive experience can earn up to $28.12 per hour. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect the potential earnings in a vibrant local market where dental assistants play crucial roles in various types of dental practices.
About the South Fulton 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) | $15.81 | $126.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.61 | $164.86 |
| Median (P50) | $21.99 | $175.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.43 | $211.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.12 | $224.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Fulton
Based on $21.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.99/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Fulton, GA can expect to earn approximately $45,738 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,387. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Fulton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Fulton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $879.58 | $3,812 | $45,738 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $527.75 | $2,287 | $27,443 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $351.83 | $1,525 | $18,295 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (South Fulton) | $21.99 |
| 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 South Fulton, GA earn a median of $45,732 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.76% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.90% above the Georgia state average of $45,324.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.99/hr = $27,443/year (purchasing power: $29,477).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,738/year (purchasing power: $49,128).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in South Fulton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in South Fulton grew 19.9% from $17.78/hr (2019) to $21.32/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.68/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 South Fulton 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 South Fulton
Earnings for part-time dental assistants can diverge significantly from those in full-time positions. A dental assistant working three days a week for a total of 24 hours would take home approximately $27,655 annually. In contrast, many per diem dental assistants in South Fulton are able to command hourly rates between $22 and $35, particularly in specialized settings like oral surgery or orthodontic practices, where pay might reach $28 to $45 per hour. The landscape is diverse with employer types, including general practices and dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen, influencing pay scales. It’s common for dental assistants to weigh the option of accepting a lower hourly rate for benefits such as health insurance against higher pay without such perks. For those negotiating hourly pay, highlighting specialized certifications, such as DANB or EFDA, can be a valuable bargaining chip in an evolving job market.
More salary data for South Fulton, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 South Fulton. 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 South Fulton 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