Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $24.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Des Moines, IA runs $24.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,591 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,957 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, Iowa, dental assistants can expect to earn an average hourly pay of $24.81, a figure that surpasses the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This wage translates well for individuals seeking part-time employment or per-diem positions within various clinical settings such as general dentistry, orthodontics, or oral surgery. For those working a full schedule of three days a week, this pay structure allows for a flexible approach to earning potential, catering to diverse needs. Entry-level dental assistants in the area might earn around $22.23 per hour, while experienced professionals and specialists can see hourly rates climb to $29.75, reflecting a broad wage range rooted in official Bureau of Labor Statistics data projected for 2026.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.23 | $177.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.72 | $189.78 |
| Median (P50) | $24.81 | $198.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.68 | $229.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.75 | $237.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $24.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.81/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $51,595 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,766. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $992.21 | $4,300 | $51,595 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $595.32 | $2,580 | $30,957 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $396.88 | $1,720 | $20,638 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Des Moines) | $24.81 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA earn a median of $51,591 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.06% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.20% above the Iowa state average of $49,991.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.81/hr = $30,957/year (purchasing power: $33,758).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,595/year (purchasing power: $56,264).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Des Moines grew 11.8% from $21.52/hr (2019) to $24.05/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.58/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
For part-time dental assistants working in Des Moines, the annual earnings reflect a significant variance compared to full-time roles. A three-day work week typically results in a take-home pay that would calculate to roughly $38,000 annually, allowing for adequate income while maintaining flexible hours. Many per-diem dental assistants in Des Moines might bill anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, with those in specialized areas like oral surgery or orthodontics often reaching $28 to $45 per hour. The hourly rates between different employer types can also vary considerably; for example, general dental offices may offer different compensation compared to specialty practices. While some dental assistants may prioritize higher pay, those who accept lower hourly wages often do so for benefits such as health insurance. When negotiating rates, it is crucial to consider both the pay structure and the value of benefits, and dental assistants should aim to leverage their skills and certifications, especially those recognized by organizations like DANB to enhance their marketability in a tightening job market.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Des Moines 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 Des Moines. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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