Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Fishers, IN: $23.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Fishers, IN runs $23.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,663 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Fishers's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,798 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average hourly pay for dental assistants in Fishers, Indiana is projected to be $23.88, which positions it just slightly above the national median of $23.84. For those working part-time, such as a 3-day workweek, or in per-diem roles, this hourly rate can translate into flexible earning potential. Dental assistants typically operate in various settings, including general dentistry offices, pediatric practices, orthodontic clinics, and more. With an hourly range from $17.87 at the entry level to $31.87 for the highest earners, the role allows for a varied financial experience depending on factors such as experience and specialty. The estimates provided here are derived from annual salary data, which highlights the importance of the hourly rate in determining viable career paths.
About the Fishers Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.87 | $142.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.41 | $171.29 |
| Median (P50) | $23.88 | $191.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.17 | $225.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.87 | $254.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fishers
Based on $23.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.88/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fishers, IN can expect to earn approximately $49,664 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,652. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fishers.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fishers
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $955.08 | $4,139 | $49,664 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $573.05 | $2,483 | $29,798 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $382.03 | $1,655 | $19,866 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Fishers) | $23.88 |
| 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 Fishers, IN earn a median of $49,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.17% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.20% below the Indiana state average of $49,762.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.88/hr = $29,798/year (purchasing power: $32,638).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,664/year (purchasing power: $54,396).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Fishers (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Fishers grew 19.9% from $19.30/hr (2019) to $23.15/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.63/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 Fishers 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 Fishers
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week at the standard hourly rate could expect to take home approximately $29,885 annually, significantly less than what full-time counterparts might earn. Per-diem work adds another layer of complexity, where dental assistants often bill anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, particularly if they specialize in oral surgery or orthodontics, commanding rates of $28 to $45 per hour. In Fishers, hourly rates also differ by employer type; general dental practices typically offer slightly lower wages compared to specialized pediatric, orthodontic, or oral surgery practices. There's often a trade-off in benefits; some dental assistants may choose a lower hourly rate with the advantage of health insurance. For those in the Fishers area negotiating pay, a solid understanding of local industry standards and leveraging certifications such as DANB can facilitate more favorable terms in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Fishers, IN:
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 Fishers. 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 Fishers 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