Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Williston, ND: $20.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Williston, ND runs $20.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,524 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Williston's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,117 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Williston, North Dakota, dental assistants earn an estimated median hourly pay of $20.93 in 2026, which is approximately 12.21% lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This figure offers a glimpse into the financial reality for those working within various dental settings, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and surgical suites. Entry-level positions in Williston may start at around $17.04 per hour, while experienced dental assistants can command up to $26.12 per hour, depending on their expertise and the type of practice they work for. For those considering part-time or per-diem roles, such as working three days a week, these hourly rates can significantly impact their weekly earnings, allowing flexibility without a full-time commitment.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.04 | $136.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.72 | $157.76 |
| Median (P50) | $20.93 | $167.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.96 | $199.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.12 | $208.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Williston
Based on $20.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.93/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Williston, ND can expect to earn approximately $43,528 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,113. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Williston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Williston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $837.08 | $3,627 | $43,528 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $502.25 | $2,176 | $26,117 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $334.83 | $1,451 | $17,411 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Williston) | $20.93 |
| 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 Williston, ND earn a median of $43,524 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.21% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.60% below the North Dakota state average of $45,623.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.93/hr = $26,117/year (purchasing power: $28,388).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,528/year (purchasing power: $47,313).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Williston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Williston grew 19.9% from $16.92/hr (2019) to $20.29/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.58/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 Williston 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 Williston
Looking at the earning potential within dental assistant roles, a part-time employee working 24 hours a week can anticipate a take-home pay that reflects their reduced hours compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem and agency work is also prevalent in the area, with many per-diem dental assistants billing between $22 and $35 per hour for general duties, and specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics earning as much as $28 to $45 per hour. In Williston, wages can differ based on the employer type, with general dental practices typically offering lower rates than specialized offices, thereby impacting the overall earning landscape. Furthermore, dental assistants often face the choice between higher hourly wages with no benefits or slightly lower pay with health insurance and other advantages. For those negotiating salary, understanding the local market and emphasizing skills, certifications such as those from DANB, and flexibility can provide a significant advantage in securing a preferable hourly rate.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Williston in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Williston?
Are dental assistants in Williston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Williston?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Williston?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Dakota
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 Williston. 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 Williston 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