Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Troy, NY: $24.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Troy, NY runs $24.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,719 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Troy's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,429 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Troy, New York, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $24.38 in 2026, which is slightly higher than the national average of $23.84. For part-time and per-diem dental assistants, this hourly rate allows for flexible work arrangements in various settings, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery practices. Entry-level positions may start around $18.72, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $31.64 per hour. These figures indicate a promising pay structure for those entering the field, especially in a community like Troy where the cost of living exceeds the national average, making higher pay rates particularly appealing for both entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
About the Troy 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) | $18.72 | $149.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.23 | $177.81 |
| Median (P50) | $24.38 | $195.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.61 | $236.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.64 | $253.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Troy
Based on $24.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.38/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Troy, NY can expect to earn approximately $50,715 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,259. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Troy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Troy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $975.29 | $4,226 | $50,715 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $585.18 | $2,536 | $30,429 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $390.12 | $1,691 | $20,286 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Troy) | $24.38 |
| 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 Troy, NY earn a median of $50,719 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.60% above the New York state average of $49,434.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.38/hr = $30,429/year (purchasing power: $26,255).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,715/year (purchasing power: $43,758).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Troy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Troy grew 19.9% from $19.71/hr (2019) to $23.64/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.15/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 Troy 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 Troy
Considering the part-time earning potential, a dental assistant working three days a week, averaging 24 hours, would see a significant difference in annual earnings compared to full-time employees. Additionally, per diem dental assistants in Troy typically charge between $22 and $35 per hour, while those in specialized fields, like oral surgery and orthodontics, can command rates between $28 and $45 per hour. The variety of employers impacts hourly wages, with general dental practices and specialty offices often offering different pay scales. Some dental assistants may choose lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others may prefer higher hourly rates with less stability. Negotiating pay in this environment can be strategic; dental assistants should emphasize their specialized skills and experience, especially in light of changes in the dental industry influenced by the growth of dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen, which are reshaping hiring practices in Troy, NY.
More salary data for Troy, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Troy in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Troy?
Are dental assistants in Troy paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Troy?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Troy?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 Troy. 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 Troy 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