Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in North Tonawanda, NY: $22.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in North Tonawanda, NY runs $22.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,224 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against North Tonawanda's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,331 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in North Tonawanda, NY, can expect a median hourly rate of $22.70, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This rate reflects the typical earnings for dental assistants working in various settings, including general dentistry practices and specialty clinics. For professionals considering part-time positions, such as those working three days a week, this translates to a promising income while allowing for greater work-life balance. Per diem opportunities are also available, with entry-level positions starting around $18.50 per hour, whereas experienced dental assistants in specialized roles can earn upwards of $29.18 per hour. While estimates arise from annual salary projections, they provide a useful framework for understanding hourly compensation dynamics in this field.
About the North Tonawanda 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) | $18.50 | $148.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.42 | $171.38 |
| Median (P50) | $22.70 | $181.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.57 | $220.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.18 | $233.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Tonawanda
Based on $22.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.70/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Tonawanda, NY can expect to earn approximately $47,218 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,241. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in North Tonawanda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Tonawanda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $908.04 | $3,935 | $47,218 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $544.83 | $2,361 | $28,331 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $363.22 | $1,574 | $18,887 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (North Tonawanda) | $22.70 |
| 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 North Tonawanda, NY earn a median of $47,224 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.75% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.50% below the New York state average of $49,449.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.70/hr = $28,331/year (purchasing power: $24,444).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,218/year (purchasing power: $40,741).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in North Tonawanda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in North Tonawanda grew 19.9% from $18.35/hr (2019) to $22.01/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.41/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 North Tonawanda 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 North Tonawanda
Earnings for part-time dental assistants in North Tonawanda become more nuanced when considering their annual take-home pay. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week would yield an annual income considerably lower than their full-time counterparts, yet they could still enjoy a steady income stream. With per diem and agency roles, dental assistants can significantly increase their hourly pay, billing from $22 to $35 an hour for general shifts, and even reaching $28 to $45 in specialized areas such as oral surgery or orthodontics. Hourly rates considerably differ based on employer type, with general dental practices and high-demand specialty offices often offering competitive wages. However, dental assistants must weigh these financial considerations against job benefits; some accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance or other perks. For those negotiating their pay, understanding local market trends and the advantages of various employment types is advisable, keeping in mind the evolving landscape influenced by DSO consolidation across the region.
More salary data for North Tonawanda, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in North Tonawanda in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in North Tonawanda?
Are dental assistants in North Tonawanda paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in North Tonawanda?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in North Tonawanda?
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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 North Tonawanda. 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 North Tonawanda 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