Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Raytown, MO: $21.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Raytown, MO runs $21.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,735 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Raytown's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,838 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Raytown, Missouri, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $21.50, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.84. This pay scale can significantly impact part-time workers who typically work three days a week. For those in general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, or specialty suites, the expected earnings can be calculated based on this hourly rate. Entry-level dental assistants might earn around $17.89, while top earners in Raytown could take home approximately $27.31 per hour. These figures are derived from estimates based on annual salary projections and give a clear overview of both entry-level and experienced professionals in this field.
About the Raytown 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) | $17.89 | $143.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.57 | $164.53 |
| Median (P50) | $21.50 | $172.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.92 | $207.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.31 | $218.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Raytown
Based on $21.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.50/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Raytown, MO can expect to earn approximately $44,730 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,806. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Raytown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Raytown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $860.19 | $3,727 | $44,730 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $516.11 | $2,236 | $26,838 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $344.08 | $1,491 | $17,892 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Raytown) | $21.50 |
| 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 Raytown, MO earn a median of $44,735 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.50% below the Missouri state average of $46,357.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.50/hr = $26,838/year (purchasing power: $29,953).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,730/year (purchasing power: $49,922).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Raytown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Raytown grew 19.9% from $17.38/hr (2019) to $20.85/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.18/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 Raytown 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 Raytown
Analyzing the earnings potential reveals some interesting dynamics for dental assistants in Raytown, especially for those considering part-time or per-diem positions. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week would bring home about $26,832 annually, considerably less than a full-time counterpart. In the realm of per-diem work, pay rates typically range from $22 to $35 per hour, climbing higher, up to $45 per hour in specialty settings like oral surgery or orthodontics. This variability can be advantageous for those who prefer flexible work schedules. Distinct employer types also contribute to differing hourly rates; while general dental practices may offer the lower range, specialized offices might provide better compensation. Some dental assistants find it worthwhile to accept lower hourly pay for job security and benefits, preferring stability over a higher pay scale without health coverage. For those in Raytown negotiating pay, emphasizing experience and certifications, such as DANB credentials, can often lead to improved hourly rates.
More salary data for Raytown, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Raytown 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 Raytown. 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 Raytown 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