Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Las Vegas, NV: $23.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Las Vegas, NV runs $23.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,362 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Las Vegas's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.2, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,013 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Las Vegas, NV, can expect a median hourly pay of $23.25, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly wage reflects the opportunities available in various settings such as general dentistry offices, pediatric practices, and dental school clinics. For those opting for part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, this pay structure allows for competitive earnings, ideally suited for those balancing other commitments or seeking flexibility. Entry-level positions typically start at approximately $18.29, while experienced dental assistants can earn as much as $27.50 per hour. These figures are based on projections from 2025 BLS OEWS data, illustrating a stable demand for skilled professionals in the dental field within Las Vegas.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.29 | $146.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.65 | $149.18 |
| Median (P50) | $23.25 | $185.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.65 | $189.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.50 | $219.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Las Vegas
Based on $23.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.25/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Las Vegas, NV can expect to earn approximately $48,355 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,897. With a cost-of-living index of 100.22 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Las Vegas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Las Vegas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $929.91 | $4,030 | $48,355 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $557.95 | $2,418 | $29,013 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.96 | $1,612 | $19,342 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Las Vegas) | $23.25 |
| 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 Las Vegas, NV earn a median of $48,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.45% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.80% below the Nevada state average of $48,752.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.25/hr = $29,013/year (purchasing power: $28,951).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,355/year (purchasing power: $48,252).
CoL index: 100.215 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Las Vegas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Las Vegas grew 24.4% from $18.12/hr (2019) to $22.54/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.98/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 Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas
Part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week could take home around $28,992 annually, a figure significantly lower than what full-time workers might earn. However, this flexibility often appeals to those with varied responsibilities. Additionally, per diem dental assistant pay in Las Vegas can range widely, as many professionals register with agencies for temporary work opportunities, billing between $22 and $35 per hour. Specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics may see rates climb further, from $28 to $45 per hour. It's important for dental assistants to weigh the benefits of consistent hours against the lure of higher pay in specialized settings. Understanding the compensation differences across various employer types, from independent practices to larger DSO chains like Heartland or Pacific Dental, can empower dental assistants to negotiate effectively. Some may opt for slightly lower hourly rates if health benefits are offered, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits, influenced by their personal circumstances and career goals.
More salary data for Las Vegas, NV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Las Vegas in 2026?
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Are dental assistants in Las Vegas paid hourly or salary?
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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 Las Vegas. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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