Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Urbandale, IA: $22.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Urbandale, IA runs $22.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,746 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Urbandale's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,653 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Urbandale, IA, can expect a median hourly pay of $22.96 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $23.84 per hour. This hourly rate is advantageous for individuals seeking part-time roles, allowing for flexibility in work hours and schedules. For example, a dental assistant working three days a week can earn a reliable income while balancing other commitments. The hourly range for dental assistants in Urbandale spans from $18.72 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to $28.70 for those in top-earning positions (90th percentile). These estimates represent expected earnings based on data derived from annual salary figures, reflecting a trend toward competitive pay in settings such as general dentistry operatories, orthodontic facilities, and pediatric dental practices.
About the Urbandale 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) | $18.72 | $149.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.67 | $173.36 |
| Median (P50) | $22.96 | $183.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.39 | $219.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.70 | $229.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Urbandale
Based on $22.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.96/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Urbandale, IA can expect to earn approximately $47,755 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,551. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Urbandale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Urbandale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $918.36 | $3,980 | $47,755 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $551.02 | $2,388 | $28,653 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $367.34 | $1,592 | $19,102 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Urbandale) | $22.96 |
| 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 Urbandale, IA earn a median of $47,746 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.70% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $49,995.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.96/hr = $28,653/year (purchasing power: $31,696).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,755/year (purchasing power: $52,826).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Urbandale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Urbandale grew 19.9% from $18.56/hr (2019) to $22.26/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.68/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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale
Considering part-time opportunities, a dental assistant working a standard 24-hour week can earn around $29,356 annually, in contrast to full-time dental assistants who typically have several thousand dollars more in annual income. Per-diem dental assistants have a different earning reality; they often charge anywhere between $22 to $35 per hour. Notably, per-diem positions in specialized fields like oral surgery and orthodontics can command rates between $28 and $45 per hour. In Urbandale, differences in hourly rates can be observed depending on the type of practice—general dental offices, pediatric specialists, or larger DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen generally offer varying pay structures. While some professionals might opt for lower hourly rates for the benefit of health insurance, others might pursue freelance roles for higher hourly wages without benefits. Effective negotiation tips for hourly workers include understanding local market rates and highlighting qualifications such as expanded function authority or certifications through DANB, which can significantly influence earning potential in the dental assistant profession.
More salary data for Urbandale, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Urbandale in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Urbandale?
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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 Urbandale. 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 Urbandale 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