Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Kaneohe, HI: $28.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Kaneohe, HI runs $28.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,776 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Kaneohe's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,269 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kaneohe, Hawaii, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a competitive $28.26, surpassing the national median of $23.84. This elevated hourly rate allows dental assistants to earn a decent wage even while working part-time, such as in general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. With hourly compensation ranging from $22.58 at the entry level to $34.83 for experienced professionals, dental assistants in Kaneohe can find diverse opportunities across various settings. The variation is partially influenced by factors such as experience, employer type, and the specific dental services being offered. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and reflect the local market conditions that impact hourly rates significantly.
About the Kaneohe Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.58 | $180.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.31 | $210.49 |
| Median (P50) | $28.26 | $226.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.35 | $266.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.83 | $278.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kaneohe
Based on $28.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.26/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kaneohe, HI can expect to earn approximately $58,782 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,912. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kaneohe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kaneohe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,130.41 | $4,898 | $58,782 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $678.25 | $2,939 | $35,269 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.17 | $1,959 | $23,513 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Kaneohe) | $28.26 |
| 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 Kaneohe, HI earn a median of $58,776 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.55% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.60% below the Hawaii state average of $59,131.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.26/hr = $35,269/year (purchasing power: $29,563).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,782/year (purchasing power: $49,272).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Kaneohe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Kaneohe grew 19.9% from $22.85/hr (2019) to $27.40/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.15/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 Kaneohe 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 Kaneohe
For dental assistants working part-time or on a per-diem basis in Kaneohe, the earning potential can be substantial, depending on their commitment and the type of dental care facility. A dental assistant working three days a week (around 24 hours) could expect to take home approximately $43,988 annually, compared to full-time colleagues who earn significantly more. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Kaneohe typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized positions—such as those in oral surgery or orthodontics—commanding higher rates, sometimes reaching $28 to $45 per hour. The employment landscape reflects the increasing presence of DSOs like Heartland and Pacific Dental, which standardize pay and training across practices. This consolidation also creates trade-offs for some dental assistants who might accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Negotiating a better hourly rate can hinge on showcasing experience and specialized skills, especially for hourly workers in a competitive market like Kaneohe.
More salary data for Kaneohe, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Kaneohe in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Kaneohe?
Are dental assistants in Kaneohe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Kaneohe?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kaneohe?
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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 Kaneohe. 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 Kaneohe 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