Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Cedar Falls, IA: $24.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Cedar Falls, IA runs $24.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,531 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Cedar Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,313 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar Falls, Iowa, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 is set at $24.29, surpassing the national hourly median of $23.84, offering local workers a competitive edge. This hourly rate provides flexibility, benefiting both part-time workers and per-diem dental assistants who operate in various environments such as general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and oral surgery suites. For those working three days a week, this pay translates into a reliable income, while per-diem assistants may find themselves earning anywhere from $18.53 at entry-level positions to $29.74 at the upper tier of the profession. Such variability allows dental assistants to assess their worth and negotiate based on experience and the specific demands of their job settings in Cedar Falls.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.53 | $148.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.46 | $187.71 |
| Median (P50) | $24.29 | $194.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.60 | $228.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.74 | $237.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cedar Falls
Based on $24.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.29/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cedar Falls, IA can expect to earn approximately $50,522 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,147. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cedar Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cedar Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $971.58 | $4,210 | $50,522 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $582.95 | $2,526 | $30,313 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.63 | $1,684 | $20,209 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Cedar Falls) | $24.29 |
| 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 Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $50,531 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.92% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.10% above the Iowa state average of $49,982.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.29/hr = $30,313/year (purchasing power: $33,532).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,522/year (purchasing power: $55,887).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Cedar Falls grew 19.9% from $19.64/hr (2019) to $23.55/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.05/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 Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls
When considering potential annual earnings, part-time dental assistants in Cedar Falls working 24 hours a week can expect to bring home a substantial income compared to their full-time counterparts. For per-diem positions, rates typically range from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialty fields like oral surgery and orthodontics commanding even higher rates, upwards of $28 to $45 per hour. Different employer types also influence pay, with general dental practices, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics offering varying rates depending on operational scale and patient demands. Many dental assistants weigh the potential of taking a lower hourly rate for benefits against opting for higher rates without health insurance, making informed decisions about their work-life balance. With the rise of dental support organizations such as Heartland and Aspen, which standardize pay scales, aspiring dental assistants should be prepared to negotiate. Skills and credentials, particularly in expanded function authority, can significantly enhance earning potential and provide pathways for career advancement in this growing field in Cedar Falls, IA.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls. 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 Cedar Falls 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