Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Wheaton, MD: $26.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Wheaton, MD runs $26.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,184 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,514 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $26.05, dental assistants in Wheaton, MD, are earning significantly more than the national median of $23.84 per hour. This competitive rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time professionals in various clinical settings including general dentistry offices, pediatric practices, and specialty facilities such as oral surgery and periodontal suites. For those choosing part-time work, such as a schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate translates to roughly $1,000 weekly before taxes, while per-diem workers might find themselves earning between $19.59 and $33.29 per hour, depending on their level of experience and specialty. The variability in hourly earnings reflects the range from entry-level positions to experienced dental assistants who may reach the upper end of the pay scale.
About the Wheaton 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) | $19.59 | $156.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.43 | $187.47 |
| Median (P50) | $26.05 | $208.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.33 | $250.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.29 | $266.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $26.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.05/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, MD can expect to earn approximately $54,191 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,264. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,042.13 | $4,516 | $54,191 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $625.28 | $2,710 | $32,514 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $416.85 | $1,806 | $21,676 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Wheaton) | $26.05 |
| 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 Wheaton, MD earn a median of $54,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.29% higher than the national median of $49,579.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.05/hr = $32,514/year (purchasing power: $29,748).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,191/year (purchasing power: $49,580).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Wheaton grew 19.9% from $21.06/hr (2019) to $25.26/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.87/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
Analyzing the part-time earning potential, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $54,184 annually—while full-time assistants might have additional financial benefits. Per-diem dental assistants often capitalize on temporary positions that can pay anywhere from $22 to $35 an hour, with certain specialties, such as oral surgery or orthodontics, commanding rates as high as $28 to $45 per hour. In Wheaton, hourly rates can differ significantly across employer types: general practices may offer different pay scales compared to specialized orthodontic or periodontal practices, where the demand can necessitate higher compensation. Additionally, many dental assistants may weigh the choice between higher hourly rates and the stability of benefits such as health insurance. It’s essential for hourly workers in Wheaton to strategically negotiate their pay, especially considering the broader trend of DSO chains standardizing compensation and the dynamic nature of expanded function authorities in the state.
More salary data for Wheaton, 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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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