Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Florissant, MO: $22.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Florissant, MO runs $22.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,079 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Florissant's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,649 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Florissant, Missouri, the dental assistant hourly pay sits at a median of $22.15, which is somewhat lower than the national median of $23.84. This figure represents the earnings potential for dental assistants working in a range of settings, from general dentistry operatories to specialized practices such as oral surgery and orthodontics. For part-time professionals working three days a week, or those seeking per-diem opportunities, this translates to a flexible work schedule while earning a decent wage. Additionally, the hourly rates here vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $16.46 and skilled practitioners earning up to $29.47, indicating a range that accommodates both newcomers to the field and experienced individuals.
About the Florissant 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) | $16.46 | $131.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.78 | $158.26 |
| Median (P50) | $22.15 | $177.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.50 | $211.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.47 | $235.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florissant
Based on $22.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.15/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florissant, MO can expect to earn approximately $46,081 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,585. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florissant.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florissant
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $886.18 | $3,840 | $46,081 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $531.71 | $2,304 | $27,649 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $354.47 | $1,536 | $18,433 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Florissant) | $22.15 |
| 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 Florissant, MO earn a median of $46,079 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.06% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.60% below the Missouri state average of $46,357.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.15/hr = $27,649/year (purchasing power: $30,858).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,081/year (purchasing power: $51,430).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Florissant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Florissant grew 19.9% from $17.91/hr (2019) to $21.48/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.85/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 Florissant 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 Florissant
For dental assistants opting for part-time work, the annual earnings from a 24-hour weekly schedule amount to approximately $27,795, which contrasts significantly with the full-time annual income that they may forfeit. Those taking up per-diem roles often find themselves in a unique earning landscape. The per diem dental assistant pay in Florissant typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery reaching up to $45 an hour. This flexible work arrangement allows dental assistants to capitalize on their skills without the commitment of full-time employment, making choices based on lifestyle and personal circumstances. However, it's essential to be aware that working in different types of dental practices—such as solo, group, or dental service organizations (DSOs)—will affect pay scales. While some may choose a slightly lower hourly rate for benefits like health insurance, others may seek higher wages in less stable positions. Negotiation skills are critical for hourly workers, and understanding market rates can empower professionals to advocate for fair compensation.
More salary data for Florissant, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Florissant in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Florissant?
Are dental assistants in Florissant paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Florissant?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Florissant?
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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 Florissant. 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 Florissant 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