Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Akron, OH: $23.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Akron, OH runs $23.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,744 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Akron's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,850 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Akron, Ohio, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $23.92, slightly above the national median of $23.84. This competitive rate offers ample opportunity for part-time and per-diem positions, which are common in various dental settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialized practices like orthodontics and oral surgery. Entry-level dental assistants can start at an hourly rate of $18.83, while the most experienced professionals may earn as much as $35.07 per hour. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS figures projected to 2026, reflects the diverse pay scale across the profession in Akron, making it an appealing choice for those entering the dental field.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.83 | $150.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.55 | $180.37 |
| Median (P50) | $23.92 | $191.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.93 | $215.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.07 | $280.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Akron
Based on $23.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.92/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Akron, OH can expect to earn approximately $49,750 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,702. With a cost-of-living index of 93.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Akron.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Akron
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $956.73 | $4,146 | $49,750 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $574.04 | $2,487 | $29,850 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $382.69 | $1,658 | $19,900 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Akron) | $23.92 |
| 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 Akron, OH earn a median of $49,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.33% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.90% above the Ohio state average of $47,877.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.92/hr = $29,850/year (purchasing power: $31,969).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,750/year (purchasing power: $53,282).
CoL index: 93.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Akron grew 22.1% from $18.99/hr (2019) to $23.19/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.67/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 Akron 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 Akron
For part-time dental assistants working three days a week (approximately 24 hours), the annual earnings can be significant, although less than full-time counterparts; they would see substantial take-home pay while retaining flexibility. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Akron ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, and specialists like those in oral surgery or orthodontics can command $28 to $45 per hour for their services. Different employer types, including solo practices, DSOs like Heartland and Aspen Dental, and dental schools, create variations in hourly rates. While some may prioritize higher pay in certain settings, they might lack the health benefits that come with positions in larger organizations. Dental assistants in Akron should consider their personal priorities during salary negotiations, as benefits can substantially impact total compensation and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Akron. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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