Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Houma, LA: $18.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Houma, LA runs $18.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,059 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Houma's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.1, 15% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,440 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the dental assistant hourly pay in Houma, Louisiana, is projected to be $18.78, significantly lower than the national hourly median of $23.84. This difference can impact part-time and per-diem workers who often find themselves on various schedules in settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery procedure rooms. For those working part-time, generally three days a week, the lower hourly rate underscores the importance of mastering skills suitable for diverse environments. The hourly earnings in Houma range from $15.12 for entry-level dental assistants to $23.77 for experienced professionals, reflecting a clear progression as one gains experience and potentially pursues specialized certifications, such as those offered through DANB or ADAA.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.12 | $120.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.11 | $144.89 |
| Median (P50) | $18.78 | $150.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.86 | $182.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.77 | $190.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houma
Based on $18.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.78/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houma, LA can expect to earn approximately $39,066 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,538. With a cost-of-living index of 85.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $751.27 | $3,256 | $39,066 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $450.76 | $1,953 | $23,440 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $300.51 | $1,302 | $15,626 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Houma) | $18.78 |
| 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 Houma, LA earn a median of $39,059 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.22% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 14.00% below the Louisiana state average of $45,418.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.78/hr = $23,440/year (purchasing power: $27,543).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,066/year (purchasing power: $45,905).
CoL index: 85.103 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Houma grew 19.5% from $15.24/hr (2019) to $18.21/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.37/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 Houma 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 Houma
For part-time dental assistants in Houma working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can amount to around $23,183, considerably less than their full-time counterparts who often work 40-hour weeks. Per diem dental assistant pay in Houma typically varies, with many billing between $22 and $35 per hour. Specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics might command higher rates, reaching between $28 and $45 per hour. This variance presents a critical decision point, as many dental assistants weigh the attractiveness of higher hourly wages against the stability and benefits provided by full-time employment at established practices, including DSO chains like Heartland and Pacific Dental. For those looking to negotiate their hourly rate, local market conditions and employer types significantly influence compensation, particularly within general dental practices or specialized offices. It is often beneficial for dental assistants to emphasize their skill set and certification status while negotiating, especially when seeking positions that offer both competitive pay and a supportive work environment.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Houma. 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