Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Murray, KY: $21.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Murray, KY runs $21.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,934 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,967 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Murray, Kentucky, can expect a median hourly pay of $21.61, which is slightly lower than the national average of $23.84 for this position. This difference highlights the local economic factors influencing dental assistant hourly rates, particularly in traditional settings such as general dentistry operatory, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into potential earnings that support a flexible working schedule while still maintaining a competitive edge. Entry-level positions may start at $18.58, whereas highly experienced dental assistants in specialty roles can earn up to $26.64 per hour. These figures are based on projected estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, reflecting broader trends in dental health employment in the region.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.58 | $148.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.98 | $167.83 |
| Median (P50) | $21.61 | $172.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.61 | $204.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.64 | $213.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $21.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.61/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, KY can expect to earn approximately $44,944 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,929. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $864.31 | $3,745 | $44,944 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $518.59 | $2,247 | $26,967 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $345.73 | $1,498 | $17,978 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Murray) | $21.61 |
| 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 Murray, KY earn a median of $44,934 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.37% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $48,058.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.61/hr = $26,967/year (purchasing power: $30,198).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,944/year (purchasing power: $50,330).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Murray grew 19.9% from $17.47/hr (2019) to $20.95/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.29/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 Murray 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 Murray
For those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities, the financial implications can vary significantly. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate could anticipate an annual income of about $26,800, a stark contrast to full-time workers who might earn nearly double that amount. Per-diem dental assistants in Murray can command rates from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialty positions in oral surgery or orthodontics offering even higher rates, up to $45 per hour. This fluctuation in hourly rates arises from the type of employer, such as solo practices versus larger dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen, which often standardize pay scales across the board. While some might opt for slightly lower hourly pay with the inclusion of benefits, the trade-off allows for a more stable financial footing. Practical negotiation tips for hourly dental assistants include emphasizing relevant experience and any DANB certifications, which can enhance earning potential in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Murray 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 Murray. 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 Murray 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