Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbus, NE: $20.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Columbus, NE runs $20.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,362 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,422 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Nebraska, the projected median hourly pay for dental assistants is $20.37. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $23.84, illustrating the regional differences in compensation. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a consistent income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. Per-diem workers, who often operate in various settings such as general dentistry operatories or specialty clinics, typically earn amidst a range from entry-level positions at $17.45 to experienced professionals commanding up to $25.70 per hour. It is essential to recognize that these hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary data and reflect the competitive nature of the industry in Columbus.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.45 | $139.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.74 | $157.93 |
| Median (P50) | $20.37 | $162.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.39 | $187.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.70 | $205.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $20.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.37/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, NE can expect to earn approximately $42,370 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,444. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $814.81 | $3,531 | $42,370 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $488.88 | $2,118 | $25,422 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $325.92 | $1,412 | $16,948 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Columbus) | $20.37 |
| 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 Columbus, NE earn a median of $42,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.56% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $45,355.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.37/hr = $25,422/year (purchasing power: $27,784).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,370/year (purchasing power: $46,306).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Columbus grew 19.9% from $16.47/hr (2019) to $19.75/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.01/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Focusing on part-time earnings offers valuable insights into financial sustainability for dental assistants in Columbus. A dental assistant working three days a week, or 24 hours, could anticipate an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts due to the limited weekly hours. Per-diem dental assistants in this area can rate their work at $22 to $45 per hour, particularly in specialty fields like oral surgery and orthodontics, providing higher pay opportunities compared to traditional roles. However, this comes with its own challenges, such as variability in hours and benefits. Employment in different types of practices, like general dental offices or specialty clinics, can lead to wide-ranging hourly rates, prompting some assistants to trade lower hourly earnings for the stability of health benefits. For those negotiating their pay, it’s beneficial to consider the substantial disparity in rates, aiming for higher compensations, especially in environments where demand for skilled assistants is on the rise.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Columbus?
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How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Columbus?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
Related Pages
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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