Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Waipahu, HI: $27.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Waipahu, HI runs $27.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,960 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Waipahu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,780 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waipahu, Hawaii, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $27.87, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $23.84. This competitive rate reflects the region's cost of living and the increasing demand for dental assistants in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialty practices. For part-time workers, specifically those clocking in around 24 hours per week, earning a median hourly wage translates to a satisfactory income, facilitating a sustainable living while balancing other commitments. Entry-level dental assistants in Waipahu can expect to earn around $21.62 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $36.27, illustrating a robust range of hourly pay within the field.
About the Waipahu 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) | $21.62 | $172.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.47 | $203.72 |
| Median (P50) | $27.87 | $222.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.42 | $259.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.27 | $290.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waipahu
Based on $27.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.87/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waipahu, HI can expect to earn approximately $57,966 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,442. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waipahu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waipahu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,114.74 | $4,831 | $57,966 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $668.84 | $2,898 | $34,780 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $445.89 | $1,932 | $23,187 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Waipahu) | $27.87 |
| 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 Waipahu, HI earn a median of $57,960 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $59,142.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.87/hr = $34,780/year (purchasing power: $29,153).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,966/year (purchasing power: $48,589).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Waipahu grew 19.9% from $22.53/hr (2019) to $27.02/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.74/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 Waipahu 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 Waipahu
Part-time dental assistants opting to work three days a week can expect a take-home pay that varies significantly compared to those in full-time positions. Typically, a part-timer might earn around $34,600 annually, providing them with a viable, though limited, income relative to full-time colleagues, who enjoy more comprehensive benefits. For those exploring per-diem opportunities, the pay rates for dental assistants in Waipahu can range from $22 to $35 per hour, increasing further for specialized roles such as orthodontics and oral surgery where pay can hit between $28 and $45. Employers in Waipahu, including general practices and specialty offices, offer differing pay scales influenced by factors such as practice type and benefits. While some dental assistants may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance, others may prefer higher pay without benefits, highlighting the trade-offs in this profession. In this dynamic market, effective negotiation skills become essential; dental assistants should be prepared to discuss their qualifications and the growing demand for skilled professionals when discussing pay with potential employers.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Waipahu in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Waipahu?
Are dental assistants in Waipahu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Waipahu?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Waipahu?
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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 Waipahu. 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 Waipahu 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