Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Ottumwa, IA: $22.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Ottumwa, IA runs $22.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,493 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Ottumwa's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,893 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistant hourly pay in Ottumwa, Iowa, is projected to be $22.35, slightly lower than the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate reflects the earning potential for dental assistants working in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, orthodontic chair rows, and pediatric exam rooms. For those considering part-time opportunities, working three days a week could yield a dependable income, allowing practitioners to balance work with other commitments. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $19.02, while those with more experience may earn up to $27.34 per hour, illustrating a clear pathway for professional growth within the field.
About the Ottumwa 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) | $19.02 | $152.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.57 | $172.53 |
| Median (P50) | $22.35 | $178.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.36 | $210.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.34 | $218.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ottumwa
Based on $22.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.35/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ottumwa, IA can expect to earn approximately $46,489 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,821. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ottumwa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ottumwa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $894.02 | $3,874 | $46,489 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $536.41 | $2,324 | $27,893 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $357.61 | $1,550 | $18,596 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Ottumwa) | $22.35 |
| 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 Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $46,493 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.22% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $49,993.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.35/hr = $27,893/year (purchasing power: $30,855).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,489/year (purchasing power: $51,426).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Ottumwa grew 19.9% from $18.07/hr (2019) to $21.67/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.05/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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
For dental assistants in Ottumwa, the part-time earning potential can be significant; for instance, a dental assistant working 24 hours per week would take home approximately $27,596 annually, compared to a full-time wage that hovers around $46,493. Additionally, per diem dental assistants can expect rates that range from $22 to $35 per hour, depending on their specialty and agency affiliation. In high-demand fields such as oral surgery or orthodontics, per diem rates can rise to $28-$45 per hour, further reflecting the variability of hourly pay across employer types in Ottumwa, including general dental practices and specialty offices. Some assistants may choose to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others may opt for higher rates without benefits, reflecting the diverse priorities among dental professionals. Negotiation skills become vital, particularly in this evolving job market, as local trends can influence compensation strategies, especially for those associated with DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa. 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 Ottumwa 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