Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Gallup, NM: $20.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Gallup, NM runs $20.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,515 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Gallup's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,104 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gallup, New Mexico, dental assistants can anticipate a median hourly pay of $20.92 in 2026. This figure is approximately 12.23% lower than the national hourly median of $23.84, reflecting the region's unique economic landscape. For those engaged in part-time work, such as a typical schedule of three days per week, this translates to meaningful earning potential without the commitment of full-time hours. Entry-level dental assistants may start at around $17.77, while those reaching the upper echelons of the profession can earn as much as $25.61 per hour. The settings for dental assistants in Gallup include general dentistry, pediatric care, orthodontics, and oral surgery, each offering a diverse scope of responsibilities that can influence hourly rates.
About the Gallup Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.77 | $142.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.16 | $161.31 |
| Median (P50) | $20.92 | $167.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.10 | $200.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.61 | $204.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallup
Based on $20.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.92/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallup, NM can expect to earn approximately $43,507 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,100. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallup.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallup
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $836.67 | $3,626 | $43,507 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $502.00 | $2,175 | $26,104 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $334.67 | $1,450 | $17,403 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Gallup) | $20.92 |
| 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 Gallup, NM earn a median of $43,515 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $46,790.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.92/hr = $26,104/year (purchasing power: $27,653).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,507/year (purchasing power: $46,088).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Gallup grew 19.9% from $16.91/hr (2019) to $20.28/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.57/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 Gallup 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 Gallup
For those considering part-time positions, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week would earn about $26,112 annually, a significant contrast to full-time counterparts who typically earn more. The per diem dental assistant pay in Gallup is lucrative, with rates varying between $22 and $35 for general work, and going as high as $28 to $45 in oral surgery and orthodontic settings. Hourly pay can vary based on the type of facility, as general practices may have different pay scales compared to specialty offices or dental schools. Additionally, the benefits offered can significantly impact pay preferences; some providers might opt for lower hourly wages that include health insurance and other benefits, while others might prefer higher pay without benefits. For dental assistants negotiating their compensation in Gallup, leveraging industry benchmarks, understanding the competitive landscape shaped by DSOs like Heartland and Aspen, and considering additional qualifications—such as expanded function training—can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Gallup 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 Gallup. 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 Gallup 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