Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Sedalia, MO: $21.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Sedalia, MO runs $21.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,498 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Sedalia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,696 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sedalia, Missouri, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $21.39, which is notably lower than the national average of $23.84. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates into a manageable income that can support local living expenses, especially given Sedalia's cost of living index at 89.6, which is below the national average. Additionally, per-diem positions in specific clinical settings—like general dentistry or orthodontics—can offer competitive rates, although these positions might come with less stability. The hourly pay ranges from $17.53 at the entry level to $25.42 for those at the top of their game, reflecting both the varying demands of different dental practices and individual skill levels. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data and can serve as a good guideline for dental assistants assessing their earning potential in Sedalia.
About the Sedalia 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) | $17.53 | $140.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.15 | $161.23 |
| Median (P50) | $21.39 | $171.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.77 | $198.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.42 | $203.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sedalia
Based on $21.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.39/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sedalia, MO can expect to earn approximately $44,494 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,669. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sedalia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sedalia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $855.65 | $3,708 | $44,494 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $513.39 | $2,225 | $26,696 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $342.26 | $1,483 | $17,798 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Sedalia) | $21.39 |
| 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 Sedalia, MO earn a median of $44,498 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.25% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.00% below the Missouri state average of $46,352.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.39/hr = $26,696/year (purchasing power: $29,795).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,494/year (purchasing power: $49,658).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Sedalia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Sedalia grew 19.9% from $17.29/hr (2019) to $20.74/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.06/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 Sedalia 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 Sedalia
The financial dynamics for part-time dental assistants can be quite favorable. For example, those working 24 hours a week would realize a different income trajectory compared to their full-time counterparts, favoring flexibility and work-life balance. Per diem dental assistant pay in Sedalia can fluctuate significantly; positions in advanced specialties might command rates as high as $28-$45 per hour, while general roles typically range from $22-$35 per hour. Furthermore, hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer—from general dental practices to specialized oral surgery and pediatric facilities, with dental support organizations like Heartland or Aspen typically offering standardized pay scales. Some dental assistants might prioritize higher hourly wages over benefits, opting for non-benefit positions that compensate better. As such, entering negotiations with data-backed expectations can empower Sedalia's dental assistants to enhance their earnings while maximizing the flexibility of their roles in a shifting job market.
More salary data for Sedalia, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Sedalia in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Sedalia?
Are dental assistants in Sedalia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Sedalia?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Sedalia?
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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 Sedalia. 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 Sedalia 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