Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Wildwood, MO: $22.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Wildwood, MO runs $22.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,978 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Wildwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,584 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wildwood, Missouri, the dental assistant hourly pay is set at a median of $22.10, which reflects a slight variance from the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate positions dental assistants well within the community, especially for those working part-time in settings such as general dentistry operatories or pediatric offices. For a dental assistant working three days a week, this rate translates to substantial weekly earnings, while also allowing flexibility that per-diem positions offer. The hourly pay scale for dental assistants in Wildwood ranges from $17.59 for entry-level roles to $27.12 for those at the top tier. Pay estimates come from broader annual salary projections and align with the local market dynamics, providing insight into earning potential across different areas of dental practice.
About the Wildwood 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) | $17.59 | $140.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.54 | $164.28 |
| Median (P50) | $22.10 | $176.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.05 | $208.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.12 | $216.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wildwood
Based on $22.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.10/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wildwood, MO can expect to earn approximately $45,974 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,523. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wildwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wildwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $884.12 | $3,831 | $45,974 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $530.47 | $2,299 | $27,584 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $353.65 | $1,532 | $18,390 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Wildwood) | $22.10 |
| 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 Wildwood, MO earn a median of $45,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.26% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $46,349.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.10/hr = $27,584/year (purchasing power: $30,786).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,974/year (purchasing power: $51,310).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Wildwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Wildwood grew 19.9% from $17.87/hr (2019) to $21.43/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.80/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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood
The earning potential for dental assistants in Wildwood can vary significantly based on work arrangements and employer type. A dental assistant working part-time for 24 hours a week typically takes home around $27,638 annually, offering a considerable lifestyle with balanced hours compared to full-time counterparts. Additionally, per diem dental assistants in the area can expect to bill between $22 and $35 per hour, with those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially reaching hourly rates of $28 to $45. Employment in general dental practices may offer different compensation packages compared to pediatric and specialty offices, with factors like health benefits influencing hourly wages. Many assistants may choose lower hourly rates to secure health insurance, whereas others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating rates can be crucial, especially in Wildwood's competitive environment, where knowledge of local market rates and the value of specific skills can empower dental assistants during discussions about pay.
More salary data for Wildwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Wildwood 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 Wildwood. 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 Wildwood 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