Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Boise, ID: $23.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Boise, ID runs $23.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,371 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Boise's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,618 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Boise, Idaho earn a median hourly wage of $23.73, aligning closely with the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate provides a solid income for both full-time and part-time workers, accommodating various employment structures common in dental practices. For those working three days a week, averaging around 24 hours, the pay translates effectively into a manageable work-life balance, making the profession appealing to many. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn about $16.84 per hour, while those in specialized or high-demand roles might command up to $31.59 per hour. With the hourly rates derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, it is evident that the profession remains competitive and financially rewarding within the regional context.
About the Boise Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.84 | $134.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.74 | $165.93 |
| Median (P50) | $23.73 | $189.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.16 | $233.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.59 | $252.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boise
Based on $23.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.73/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boise, ID can expect to earn approximately $49,364 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,479. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Boise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $949.30 | $4,114 | $49,364 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $569.58 | $2,468 | $29,618 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.72 | $1,645 | $19,745 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Boise) | $23.73 |
| 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 Boise, ID earn a median of $49,371 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.42% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.70% above the Idaho state average of $47,610.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.73/hr = $29,618/year (purchasing power: $31,079).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,364/year (purchasing power: $51,798).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Boise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Boise grew 19.9% from $19.19/hr (2019) to $23.01/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.48/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 Boise 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 Boise
Considering part-time earning potential, a dental assistant working three days a week can expect a take-home of approximately $29,753 annually, while full-time colleagues could see their earnings rise significantly. Per-diem dental assistants, often filling in at various practices, typically charge between $22 to $35 per hour, and those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics can earn as much as $45 an hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on practice type; general dental offices, pediatric specialty clinics, and oral surgery suites each offer distinct pay structures influenced by factors like employee benefits and job stability. Some dental assistants might opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for healthcare benefits, while those prioritizing wage maximization may seek temporary roles that emphasize higher pay without traditional benefits. In Boise, effective negotiation strategies are crucial for hourly workers, allowing them to affirm their value in a competitive market shaped by the growth of large dental service organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland and Aspen, fostering unique pay scales and opportunities for advancement within the profession.
More salary data for Boise, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Boise in 2026?
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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 Boise. 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 Boise 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