Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Kentwood, MI: $24.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Kentwood, MI runs $24.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,152 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Kentwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,687 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kentwood, MI, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $24.59, which is notably higher than the national median of $23.84. This competitive hourly rate positions dental assistants well in the local job market, catering to various work schedules. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this equates to a robust annual income while allowing for flexibility in personal schedules. Per-diem workers also have ample opportunities, as they typically earn between $19.37 and $31.57 per hour depending on experience and specific assignments. This range showcases the potential for dental assistants in Kentwood, particularly those entering the field or striving to reach the upper echelons of pay available in settings like general dentistry and specialized practices.
About the Kentwood Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.37 | $154.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.78 | $182.27 |
| Median (P50) | $24.59 | $196.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.74 | $237.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.57 | $252.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kentwood
Based on $24.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.59/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kentwood, MI can expect to earn approximately $51,144 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,506. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kentwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kentwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $983.54 | $4,262 | $51,144 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $590.13 | $2,557 | $30,687 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $393.42 | $1,705 | $20,458 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Kentwood) | $24.59 |
| 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 Kentwood, MI earn a median of $51,152 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.17% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 5.70% above the Michigan state average of $48,394.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.59/hr = $30,687/year (purchasing power: $32,925).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,144/year (purchasing power: $54,876).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Kentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Kentwood grew 19.9% from $19.88/hr (2019) to $23.84/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.36/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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood
Considering part-time opportunities, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week can still generate income that might closely approximate what full-time workers achieve annually. Per diem dental assistant pay in Kentwood is especially dynamic, with rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour for general assignments, and as high as $28 to $45 for specialized roles like oral surgery and orthodontics. Employment can vary across provider types, where general practices and DSOs like Heartland and Aspen may offer structured hourly pay that balances benefits with compensation. Those looking to maximize their earnings might consider temporary staffing agencies, which frequently engage dental assistants for one-off shifts. While some may choose lower hourly rates for stable health insurance benefits, strategic negotiations can enable others to secure better pay rates, especially in a growing market influenced by the shift toward dental service organizations and the established certification pathways offered by organizations like DANB.
More salary data for Kentwood, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Kentwood in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Kentwood?
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How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Kentwood?
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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 Kentwood. 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 Kentwood 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