Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Maryland Heights, MO: $21.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Maryland Heights, MO runs $21.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,519 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Maryland Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,314 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Maryland Heights, Missouri, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $21.89, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This hourly figure suggests that dental assistants working part-time, say three days a week, can expect to earn around $26,164 annually, a substantial amount that still reflects differences in pay across various settings. Per-diem workers in fields such as general dentistry, orthodontics, or oral surgery typically enjoy an hourly rate ranging from $17.04 for entry-level positions up to $28.53 for experienced professionals. Hence, the job market provides a broad hourly range, accommodating both newly minted dental assistants and those at the peak of their careers.
About the Maryland Heights 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) | $17.04 | $136.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.06 | $160.49 |
| Median (P50) | $21.89 | $175.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.54 | $204.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.53 | $228.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maryland Heights
Based on $21.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.89/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maryland Heights, MO can expect to earn approximately $45,524 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,264. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Maryland Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maryland Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $875.45 | $3,794 | $45,524 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $525.27 | $2,276 | $27,314 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $350.18 | $1,517 | $18,209 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Maryland Heights) | $21.89 |
| 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 Maryland Heights, MO earn a median of $45,519 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.19% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.80% below the Missouri state average of $46,353.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.89/hr = $27,314/year (purchasing power: $30,485).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,524/year (purchasing power: $50,808).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Maryland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Maryland Heights grew 19.9% from $17.69/hr (2019) to $21.22/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.57/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 Maryland Heights 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 Maryland Heights
For dental assistants looking to maximize their earnings, part-time work can yield competitive income; a typical 24-hour workweek might generate nearly $26,164 annually, quite appealing for individuals seeking flexibility. Per-diem dental assistants often find themselves billing between $22-$35 per hour, particularly in specialized settings like oral surgery or orthodontics, where rates can soar to $28-$45 per hour. Employers in Maryland Heights vary widely, from solo practices to large DSOs like Heartland or Pacific Dental, influencing the differences in compensation. While many professionals may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, others may prefer higher pay without insurance. Successful negotiation starts with understanding local pay scales and the benefits offered, empowering dental assistants to advocate for their worth in a rapidly evolving job market.
More salary data for Maryland Heights, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Maryland Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Maryland Heights?
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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 Maryland Heights. 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 Maryland Heights 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