Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $21.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in University City, MO runs $21.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,691 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,417 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University City, Missouri, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $21.97, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This rate reflects the role’s financial landscape, particularly beneficial for those seeking part-time or per-diem work in diverse settings such as general dentistry operatories, orthodontic chair rows, or pediatric exam rooms. The hourly pay for entry-level dental assistants starts around $17.23, while more seasoned professionals can see earnings reaching up to $26.72 per hour. Given this range, part-time workers, such as those on a three-day work week, can find attractive opportunities without the commitment of full-time positions, providing flexibility in their schedules as they navigate the varying demands of dental practices.
About the University City 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) | $17.23 | $137.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.24 | $161.89 |
| Median (P50) | $21.97 | $175.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.20 | $209.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.72 | $213.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $21.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.97/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $45,695 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,363. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $878.75 | $3,808 | $45,695 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $527.25 | $2,285 | $27,417 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $351.50 | $1,523 | $18,278 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (University City) | $21.97 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $45,691 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.84% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $46,340.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.97/hr = $27,417/year (purchasing power: $30,599).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,695/year (purchasing power: $50,999).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in University City grew 19.9% from $17.76/hr (2019) to $21.30/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.66/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 University City 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 University City
When assessing the hourly pay dynamics for dental assistants in University City, part-time workers who take on shifts three days a week may find their annual earnings significantly less than those opting for full-time work. Per-diem dental assistants can earn varying rates, typically billing between $22 and $35 per hour, but those taking shifts in specialized areas such as oral surgery or orthodontics report earnings from $28 to $45 per hour. The type of employer plays a fundamental role in hourly compensation, with general practices often paying differently than pediatric or oral surgery offices. Some dental assistants may accept lower hourly wages for the added benefit of health insurance, while others may prefer higher pay without benefits. Negotiating salary can be particularly advantageous for dental assistants; understanding the pay scales of different employers—ranging from local practices to larger DSO chains—is essential for maximizing income potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in University City 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 University City. 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 University City 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