Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Valley Stream, NY: $23.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Valley Stream, NY runs $23.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,991 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Valley Stream's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,794 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Valley Stream, NY, dental assistants earn a median hourly pay of $23.07, which falls slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate holds significance particularly for those working part-time or per diem, as it translates to a potential income of around $1,845 weekly for full-time work (40 hours). Part-time dental assistants typically working three days a week can expect to make about $1,109 weekly, allowing for a flexible schedule while still contributing meaningfully to their income. The hourly pay range in Valley Stream spans from $17.43 at the lower end for entry-level roles to $29.61 for the most experienced or specialized positions, showcasing the variability in earnings across different practice settings such as general dentistry, pediatric care, and specialized oral surgery environments. These figures reflect 2026 projections based on 2025 BLS data, indicating a robust local career path in dental assistance.
About the Valley Stream 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) | $17.43 | $139.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.22 | $177.73 |
| Median (P50) | $23.07 | $184.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.94 | $223.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.61 | $236.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valley Stream
Based on $23.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.07/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valley Stream, NY can expect to earn approximately $47,991 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,687. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Valley Stream.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valley Stream
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $922.90 | $3,999 | $47,991 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $553.74 | $2,400 | $28,794 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $369.16 | $1,600 | $19,196 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Valley Stream) | $23.07 |
| 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 Valley Stream, NY earn a median of $47,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.20% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.90% below the New York state average of $49,424.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.07/hr = $28,794/year (purchasing power: $24,844).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,991/year (purchasing power: $41,407).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Valley Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Valley Stream grew 19.9% from $18.65/hr (2019) to $22.37/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.80/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 Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream
While a full-time dental assistant in Valley Stream has the opportunity to earn a steady income, part-time professionals can still thrive financially. A three-day work schedule that totals 24 hours results in a yearly take-home amount significantly lower than that of full-time colleagues, yet it offers flexibility that many value. Per diem dental assistant pay in Valley Stream ranges widely, typically falling between $22 and $35 per hour for general practice work, while specialized roles in orthodontics can command between $28 to $45 hourly. The diversity in employer types—from large DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen to independent offices—also influences hourly rates significantly. Some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly wages to secure benefits such as health insurance, making employment choices a balance of immediate income versus long-term security. Negotiation remains essential, especially in Valley Stream, where showcasing skills and certifications from organizations like DANB can pave the way for better compensation.
More salary data for Valley Stream, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Valley Stream in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Valley Stream?
Are dental assistants in Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream. 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 Valley Stream 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