Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Alexandria, LA: $21.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Alexandria, LA runs $21.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,629 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Alexandria's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,773 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Alexandria, LA, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 is $21.45, which positions it notably below the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This disparity reflects the broader economic landscape in Louisiana, where cost of living factors influence compensation. For dental assistants working part-time—such as those employed three days a week—their earnings can still be significant, particularly in typical settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. The hourly pay range for dental assistants in Alexandria varies from $14.81 for entry-level positions to $23.77 for those at the top of the pay scale, providing ample opportunity for growth and progression within the field. This data, derived from the most recent BLS estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, underscores the varied earning potential in dental assisting careers throughout differing settings.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.81 | $118.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.93 | $143.41 |
| Median (P50) | $21.45 | $171.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.63 | $181.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.77 | $190.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alexandria
Based on $21.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.45/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alexandria, LA can expect to earn approximately $44,622 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,744. With a cost-of-living index of 85.69 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Alexandria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alexandria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $858.12 | $3,719 | $44,622 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $514.87 | $2,231 | $26,773 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $343.25 | $1,487 | $17,849 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Alexandria) | $21.45 |
| 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 Alexandria, LA earn a median of $44,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.98% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.70% below the Louisiana state average of $45,400.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.45/hr = $26,773/year (purchasing power: $31,246).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,622/year (purchasing power: $52,077).
CoL index: 85.686 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Alexandria grew 13.4% from $18.35/hr (2019) to $20.80/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.13/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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria
Considering part-time and per-diem work can provide unique earning strategies for dental assistants in the region. For instance, a dental assistant working a typical 24-hour week would see a gross annual take-home of around $26,781, considerably less than full-time assistance but still providing flexibility for many. Per diem dental assistants in Alexandria often bill anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, with those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially earning between $28 and $45 per hour. Differences in hourly rates arise based on employer types, with general practitioners, specialty offices, and dental schools all offering varying compensation structures. While some assistants accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer higher pay without the safety net of these perks. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s crucial to emphasize unique skills, such as expanded function authority credentials, which could significantly impact earning potential in the competitive landscape of Alexandria’s dental care industry.
More salary data for Alexandria, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Alexandria in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Alexandria?
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Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Alexandria?
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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 Alexandria. 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