Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Branson, MO: $20.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Branson, MO runs $20.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,068 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Branson's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,847 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental assistant hourly pay in Branson, MO, is projected to be $20.71, which falls below the national average of $23.84 per hour. This rate provides a solid income for those in the dental assistant profession, particularly for part-time workers who might be employed three days a week, often in settings such as general dentistry offices, pediatric practices, or orthodontic clinics. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to start around $17.48, while those with more experience can earn as much as $25.28 an hour. The range in hourly rates allows for various earning potentials depending on experience, specialty practice, and workplace settings, making it a dynamic profession in the Branson area.
About the Branson Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.48 | $139.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.95 | $159.58 |
| Median (P50) | $20.71 | $165.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.39 | $195.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.28 | $202.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Branson
Based on $20.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.71/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Branson, MO can expect to earn approximately $43,078 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,853. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Branson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Branson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $828.42 | $3,590 | $43,078 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $497.05 | $2,154 | $25,847 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $331.37 | $1,436 | $17,231 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Branson) | $20.71 |
| 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 Branson, MO earn a median of $43,068 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.13% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.10% below the Missouri state average of $46,360.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.71/hr = $25,847/year (purchasing power: $28,847).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,078/year (purchasing power: $48,078).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Branson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Branson grew 19.9% from $16.74/hr (2019) to $20.08/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.36/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 Branson 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 Branson
For those considering part-time work, a dental assistant clocking in 24 hours a week could see annual take-home pay significantly influenced by their hourly rate and the specific job arrangement. Those opting for per-diem roles often enjoy higher rates, billing between $22 to $35 per hour, with specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics offering even better compensation at $28 to $45 per hour. Employment variation extends further as general dental practices may pay differently from larger dental service organizations that often standardize wages across multiple locations. It's crucial for dental assistants to make informed decisions about their job options; they may choose lower hourly pay in exchange for employer-sponsored health benefits or pursue higher hourly pay with the flexibility of agency or per-diem work. Negotiation is key in this profession, especially in Branson's competitive job market, where seeking credentials like DANB certification can lead to better pay opportunities.
More salary data for Branson, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Branson 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 Branson. 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 Branson 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