Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Fort Dodge, IA: $22.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Fort Dodge, IA runs $22.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,870 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Fort Dodge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,520 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, dental assistants earn a median hourly pay of $22.05, which positions them slightly below the national average of $23.84. This rate reflects the varying demands and responsibilities within diverse dental settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric clinics, orthodontic practices, and oral surgery suites. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this translates to consistent earnings while maintaining work-life balance. Entry-level dental assistants might start around $18.24 per hour, whereas experienced professionals can earn up to $26.68, depending on facility type and regional cost of living factors.
About the Fort Dodge 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) | $18.24 | $145.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.92 | $167.33 |
| Median (P50) | $22.05 | $176.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.16 | $209.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.68 | $213.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Dodge
Based on $22.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.05/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Dodge, IA can expect to earn approximately $45,867 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,462. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Dodge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Dodge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $882.05 | $3,822 | $45,867 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $529.23 | $2,293 | $27,520 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $352.82 | $1,529 | $18,347 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Fort Dodge) | $22.05 |
| 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 Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $45,870 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.48% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $49,968.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.05/hr = $27,520/year (purchasing power: $30,443).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,867/year (purchasing power: $50,738).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Fort Dodge grew 19.9% from $17.83/hr (2019) to $21.38/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.74/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 Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge
Considering a part-time schedule of 24 hours a week, a dental assistant in Fort Dodge can expect an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time peers. Per-diem opportunities are particularly appealing, with rates typically ranging from $22 to $35 per hour; those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics may find themselves earning even more, between $28 and $45. The pay varies notably by employer type, with solo practices generally offering lower wages compared to large dental service organizations like Heartland Dental or Aspen Dental, which often standardize wages across locations. Some dental assistants choose positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without additional perks. To optimize earnings, effective negotiation tactics focusing on specialized skills and credentials—such as those from DANB or EFDA for expanded functions—can be vital in the competitive IA job market.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, IA:
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 Fort Dodge. 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 Fort Dodge 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