Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Laurel, MD: $24.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Laurel, MD runs $24.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,478 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,892 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Maryland, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $24.75, which is notably higher than the national median of $23.84. This hourly pay reflects the dynamic nature of dental settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric office environments, and specialty clinics for orthodontics or periodontal care. For part-time workers putting in about three days per week, this translates to a significant income potential, making it an appealing option for individuals seeking flexibility. The hourly earnings range from $19.98 for entry-level positions to $31.55 for more experienced dental assistants, allowing new entrants and seasoned professionals alike to find suitable roles within the diverse dental landscape in Laurel.
About the Laurel 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) | $19.98 | $159.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.19 | $185.49 |
| Median (P50) | $24.75 | $198.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.92 | $239.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.55 | $252.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $24.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.75/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MD can expect to earn approximately $51,487 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,704. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $990.14 | $4,291 | $51,487 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $594.09 | $2,574 | $30,892 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $396.06 | $1,716 | $20,595 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Laurel) | $24.75 |
| 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 Laurel, MD earn a median of $51,478 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $54,188.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.75/hr = $30,892/year (purchasing power: $28,264).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,487/year (purchasing power: $47,107).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Laurel grew 19.9% from $20.01/hr (2019) to $24.00/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.53/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
When examining the financial prospects for dental assistants in Laurel, part-time employees working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $30,000 per year, which can differ dramatically from the income of full-time counterparts. Per diem work, a common practice in the field, offers even more variability; dental assistants frequently bill $22 to $35 per hour, particularly in agency roles, while specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics may earn upward of $28 to $45 per hour. Employment across different types of practices, from small private offices to large DSOs like Aspen and Heartland, can influence hourly rates significantly. Many dental assistants are faced with the choice between higher hourly wages without benefits or lower rates that include health insurance, making job selection a balancing act. For those looking to negotiate pay, understanding the local market and being aware of the specific demands of different roles in Laurel can enhance their bargaining power significantly.
More salary data for Laurel, 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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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