Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Hempstead, NY: $22.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Hempstead, NY runs $22.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,738 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Hempstead's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,640 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hempstead, NY, dental assistants earn a median hourly pay of $22.95, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This pay level presents various opportunities for those working part-time, such as in general dentistry operatories or pediatric exam rooms, allowing for flexible schedules—working three days a week could yield an annual income of around $28,480 based on full-time hours equivalent. For per-diem workers in the dental industry, the earning potential varies significantly; while entry-level dental assistants may start at approximately $17.73 per hour, experienced professionals can make upwards of $30.03 per hour in specialty settings such as oral surgery or orthodontics. These figures provide a strong foundation for both new and seasoned dental assistants navigating the healthcare workforce in Hempstead.
About the Hempstead Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.73 | $141.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.07 | $168.57 |
| Median (P50) | $22.95 | $183.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.02 | $224.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.03 | $240.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hempstead
Based on $22.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.95/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hempstead, NY can expect to earn approximately $47,733 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,538. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hempstead.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hempstead
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $917.95 | $3,978 | $47,733 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $550.77 | $2,387 | $28,640 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $367.18 | $1,591 | $19,093 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Hempstead) | $22.95 |
| 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 Hempstead, NY earn a median of $47,738 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.71% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.50% below the New York state average of $49,470.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.95/hr = $28,640/year (purchasing power: $24,711).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,733/year (purchasing power: $41,185).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Hempstead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Hempstead grew 19.9% from $18.55/hr (2019) to $22.25/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.67/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 Hempstead 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 Hempstead
Part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $28,480 annually, making this employment route attractive for those seeking work-life balance over full-time commitments. Per diem dental assistant pay in Hempstead typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, but specialty positions, especially in oral surgery and orthodontics, can command anywhere from $28 to $45 per hour, reflecting the increased demands for expertise and experience. The type of practice also influences pay rates, with general dental practices offering lower wages compared to more specialized offices or dental school clinics where insurance benefits may accompany lower hourly rates. When negotiating pay, dental assistants should consider the trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits such as health insurance, which can affect overall compensation. Understanding the dynamics of different employer types in Hempstead, including DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, can help guide future career moves and expectations in the evolving dental landscape.
More salary data for Hempstead, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Hempstead in 2026?
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Are dental assistants in Hempstead 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 Hempstead. 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 Hempstead 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