Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Dundalk, MD: $25.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Dundalk, MD runs $25.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,341 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Dundalk's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,407 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dundalk, Maryland, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $25.17 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $23.84. This competitive rate benefits those seeking part-time positions, such as working three days a week, offering flexible schedules that can enhance work-life balance. Per-diem opportunities also present attractive options within various clinical environments, including general dentistry operatories and specialty practices. Hourly pay for entry-level positions typically starts at around $19.56, while experienced practitioners may earn as much as $32.04 per hour. The estimates for hourly wages illustrate a healthy spectrum that allows both new and seasoned dental assistants to find a suitable fit in the job market.
About the Dundalk Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.56 | $156.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.11 | $184.91 |
| Median (P50) | $25.17 | $201.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.74 | $245.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.04 | $256.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dundalk
Based on $25.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.17/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dundalk, MD can expect to earn approximately $52,346 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,199. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dundalk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dundalk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,006.65 | $4,362 | $52,346 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $603.99 | $2,617 | $31,407 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $402.66 | $1,745 | $20,938 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Dundalk) | $25.17 |
| 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 Dundalk, MD earn a median of $52,341 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $54,184.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.17/hr = $31,407/year (purchasing power: $28,735).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,346/year (purchasing power: $47,892).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Dundalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Dundalk grew 19.9% from $20.34/hr (2019) to $24.40/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.96/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 Dundalk 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 Dundalk
Analyzing the earning potential for dental assistants reveals significant opportunities for both part-time and per-diem roles. For instance, a dental assistant who works 24 hours a week can expect to bring home approximately $31,412 annually, compared to a full-time worker who earns around $52,341. Per diem dental assistants often see hourly rates between $22 and $35, with those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics earning an impressive $28 to $45 per hour. Various employer types influence pay rates in Dundalk, with general practices paying less than specialized offices, like pediatric or periodontal practices. Some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly wages to access perks like health insurance, whereas others might prefer higher pay without benefits. Negotiation in this dynamic labor market can hinge on factors like specialty training, credentialing through bodies such as the DANB, and the applicant's flexibility, especially within the growing dental support organization sector.
More salary data for Dundalk, MD:
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 Dundalk. 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 Dundalk 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