Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Livonia, MI: $22.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Livonia, MI runs $22.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,660 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Livonia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,601 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Livonia, Michigan, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $22.92, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This competitive hourly wage enables part-time workers, who might typically operate three days per week in various environments such as general dentistry operatory settings, orthodontic chair rows, or dental school clinics, to maintain a decent standard of living. For per-diem workers, the flexibility of hourly pay rates ranging from $18.42 at the entry-level to $28.60 for the most experienced professionals creates opportunities for those seeking flexible scheduling. This pay structure can particularly benefit those balancing personal commitments while gaining experience in specialized areas such as oral surgery or pediatric dentistry.
About the Livonia 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) | $18.42 | $147.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.58 | $172.62 |
| Median (P50) | $22.92 | $183.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.15 | $217.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.60 | $228.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Livonia
Based on $22.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.92/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Livonia, MI can expect to earn approximately $47,669 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,501. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Livonia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Livonia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $916.71 | $3,972 | $47,669 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $550.02 | $2,383 | $28,601 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $366.68 | $1,589 | $19,068 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Livonia) | $22.92 |
| 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 Livonia, MI earn a median of $47,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.87% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.50% below the Michigan state average of $48,386.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.92/hr = $28,601/year (purchasing power: $30,688).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,669/year (purchasing power: $51,147).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Livonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Livonia grew 19.9% from $18.53/hr (2019) to $22.22/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.64/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 Livonia 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 Livonia
Evaluating the earning potential for a part-time dental assistant in Livonia, a 24-hour workweek could yield approximately $28,073 annually, distinctly lower than a full-time equivalent. Per diem dental assistant pay in Livonia varies, with many professionals billing between $22 and $35 per hour, while those with specialty skills in fields like orthodontics may command rates of $28 to $45. Employment environments also influence earnings; positions in large dental service organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland or Aspen may standardize pay rates, offering benefits that boost total compensation despite lower hourly figures. Some dental assistants may accept slightly reduced hourly wages in exchange for health insurance, a crucial consideration for many in this profession. In a competitive job market, negotiating for higher rates, especially with specialty qualifications or certifications from organizations like the DANB, can prove advantageous in maximizing earning potential.
More salary data for Livonia, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Livonia in 2026?
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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 Livonia. 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 Livonia 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