Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY: $24.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY runs $24.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,642 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Louisville/Jefferson County's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,390 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the dental assistant hourly pay in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY, is projected to reach a median of $24.35, slightly above the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate is particularly advantageous for part-time or per-diem dental assistants working in diverse settings such as general dental offices, orthodontic practices, and surgical suites. For those employed three days a week, this hourly compensation translates into a stable income, providing greater financial flexibility. The hourly range for dental assistants in the area spans from $18.79 for entry-level positions to $31.12 for the most experienced professionals. Such variability highlights the potential for career advancement within the field, along with the benefits of obtaining credentials like those offered by DANB or pursuing expanded function authority which can elevate earning potential.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.79 | $150.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.55 | $188.37 |
| Median (P50) | $24.35 | $194.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.78 | $238.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.12 | $248.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville/Jefferson County
Based on $24.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.35/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY can expect to earn approximately $50,651 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,222. With a cost-of-living index of 93.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville/Jefferson County
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $974.05 | $4,221 | $50,651 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $584.43 | $2,533 | $30,390 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $389.62 | $1,688 | $20,260 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Louisville/Jefferson County) | $24.35 |
| 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 Louisville/Jefferson County, KY earn a median of $50,642 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.14% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 5.40% above the Kentucky state average of $48,047.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.35/hr = $30,390/year (purchasing power: $32,652).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,651/year (purchasing power: $54,420).
CoL index: 93.074 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Louisville/Jefferson County (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 25.9% from $18.76/hr (2019) to $23.61/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.12/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 Louisville/Jefferson County 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 Louisville/Jefferson County
Examining part-time earnings, a dental assistant working 24 hours across three days a week can expect to take home nearly $30,000 annually, a substantial figure that may appeal to many who prioritize work-life balance. For those considering per diem arrangements, pay rates commonly fluctuate between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics often commanding upwards of $28 to $45 per hour. Various employer types across Louisville/Jefferson County contribute to distinct pay scales; general practices generally offer competitive rates, while specialized offices may invest more in their staff. Some dental assistants may opt for slightly lower hourly rates at general practices in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others prefer higher hourly wages without healthcare coverage. Negotiating effectively in this evolving market, especially among DSO chains which use standardized pay scales, remains crucial for securing a favorable contract in Kentucky's dental field.
More salary data for Louisville/Jefferson County, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Louisville/Jefferson County in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Louisville/Jefferson County?
Are dental assistants in Louisville/Jefferson County paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Louisville/Jefferson County?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Louisville/Jefferson County?
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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 Louisville/Jefferson County. 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