Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Metairie, LA: $22.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Metairie, LA runs $22.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,534 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Metairie's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,524 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Metairie, Louisiana, the projected dental assistant hourly pay is set at $22.86 for 2026, providing a competitive rate compared to the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate allows for worthwhile earnings for part-time workers, such as those who may only work three days a week, giving them the flexibility to balance personal commitments while still being financially rewarded. Dental assistants typically work in various settings, including general dentistry operatories and specialized facilities like pediatric exam rooms and oral surgery suites. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $16.60 per hour, while more experienced professionals can reach hourly rates of up to $30.92, representing a significant range based on experience and specialization. It's vital to consider that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, adjusted for hourly application common in the field.
About the Metairie Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.60 | $132.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.55 | $172.37 |
| Median (P50) | $22.86 | $182.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.60 | $220.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.92 | $247.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Metairie
Based on $22.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.86/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Metairie, LA can expect to earn approximately $47,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,427. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Metairie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Metairie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $914.23 | $3,962 | $47,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $548.54 | $2,377 | $28,524 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.69 | $1,585 | $19,016 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Metairie) | $22.86 |
| 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 Metairie, LA earn a median of $47,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.12% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.70% above the Louisiana state average of $45,400.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.86/hr = $28,524/year (purchasing power: $31,588).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,540/year (purchasing power: $52,647).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Metairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Metairie grew 19.9% from $18.48/hr (2019) to $22.16/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.57/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 Metairie 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 Metairie
For dental assistants working part-time—let's say, a typical schedule of three days per week clocking in at around 24 hours—annual earnings can vary significantly compared to full-time positions. Earning approximately $27,500 a year at $22.86 per hour presents a decent income, especially for those not seeking full-time work. On the other hand, per diem dental assistant pay in Metairie can vary widely, with common billing rates between $22 and $35 per hour, and specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially earning as much as $28 to $45 per hour. Different dental settings, such as general practices, pediatric offices, or periodontal specialty clinics, often offer varying pay rates due to differing overhead costs and demand for services. Some dental assistants may choose lower-paying jobs that provide health insurance benefits over those with higher hourly rates but no perks. Negotiating based on experience and specific role demands in Metairie can also yield better hourly pay, allowing skilled professionals to align compensation with their value in the competitive dental workforce.
More salary data for Metairie, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Metairie in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Metairie?
Are dental assistants in Metairie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Metairie?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Metairie?
Related Pages
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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 Metairie. 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 Metairie 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