Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Sulphur, LA: $20.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Sulphur, LA runs $20.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,998 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Sulphur's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,203 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sulphur, Louisiana, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $20.19 in 2026, which places it below the national hourly median of $23.84. This discrepancy means that dental assistants working in settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and periodontal surgical suites may experience different earning potentials based on their work schedules. For part-time workers, such as those who take shifts three days a week, the hourly rate provides a base for approximately $16,000 less annually compared to full-time colleagues. Entry-level positions may start at around $16.97 an hour, while more experienced or specialized dental assistants can earn upwards of $24.46 per hour. Meaningful variations can occur across different types of practices and the level of responsibility required in each.
About the Sulphur 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) | $16.97 | $135.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.33 | $154.63 |
| Median (P50) | $20.19 | $161.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.67 | $189.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.46 | $195.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sulphur
Based on $20.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.19/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sulphur, LA can expect to earn approximately $42,005 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,234. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sulphur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sulphur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $807.79 | $3,500 | $42,005 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $484.68 | $2,100 | $25,203 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $323.12 | $1,400 | $16,802 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Sulphur) | $20.19 |
| 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 Sulphur, LA earn a median of $41,998 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.29% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.50% below the Louisiana state average of $45,403.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.19/hr = $25,203/year (purchasing power: $27,910).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,005/year (purchasing power: $46,517).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Sulphur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Sulphur grew 19.9% from $16.33/hr (2019) to $19.58/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.83/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 Sulphur 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 Sulphur
The part-time earning potential for a dental assistant working 24 hours a week can result in an annual income of about $25,097, a stark contrast to the full-time outlook. Per-diem opportunities may present higher hourly rates, with many dental assistants able to bill between $22 and $35 per hour for their services, especially in oral surgery or orthodontic settings, where rates can reach $28 to $45 per hour for specialized work. The type of employer significantly influences pay rates; dental assistants in general practices or with Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen may see more standardized pay scales compared to those in specialty practices. Nevertheless, some dental assistants accept lower hourly wages for the stability of health insurance benefits, whereas others opt for higher hourly pay without the same level of occupational security. Negotiation strategies should consider local market conditions and benefits, allowing dental assistants to articulate their value effectively during discussions about their hourly rate in Sulphur.
More salary data for Sulphur, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Sulphur in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Sulphur?
Are dental assistants in Sulphur paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Sulphur?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Sulphur?
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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 Sulphur. 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 Sulphur 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