Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Avon Lake, OH: $21.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Avon Lake, OH runs $21.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,107 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Avon Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,465 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Avon Lake, Ohio, dental assistants are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $21.21 in 2026, which is notably below the national median of $23.84. This lower rate can significantly affect part-time workers who typically operate on a three-day workweek, translating to a steady income of approximately $1,020 a month, while per-diem dental assistants can expect varying compensation across different settings, depending on their specialty. Entry-level positions in the area may start at an hourly rate of $17.67, while seasoned professionals can command up to $25.74. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, highlighting the diverse settings where dental assistants operate, such as general dentistry, pediatric practices, orthodontic clinics, and oral surgery facilities.
About the Avon Lake Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.67 | $141.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.21 | $161.64 |
| Median (P50) | $21.21 | $169.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.24 | $201.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.74 | $205.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Avon Lake
Based on $21.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.21/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Avon Lake, OH can expect to earn approximately $44,108 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,447. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Avon Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Avon Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $848.22 | $3,676 | $44,108 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $508.93 | $2,205 | $26,465 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $339.29 | $1,470 | $17,643 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Avon Lake) | $21.21 |
| 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 Avon Lake, OH earn a median of $44,107 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.04% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.90% below the Ohio state average of $47,890.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.21/hr = $26,465/year (purchasing power: $29,178).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,108/year (purchasing power: $48,630).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Avon Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Avon Lake grew 19.9% from $17.14/hr (2019) to $20.56/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.87/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 Avon Lake 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 Avon Lake
For part-time dental assistants in Avon Lake, the annual income difference when compared to full-time positions can be striking. A dental assistant working three days a week (24 hours) can take home around $24,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem opportunities present a more lucrative route, with pay frequently ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, depending on the demand and specific dental practice. For those in specialty areas like oral surgery or orthodontics, per-diem rates can climb as high as $28 to $45 per hour. Additionally, wage variations exist based on the type of practice, with general branches typically offering lower rates compared to specialized offices. Benefits from full-time positions may sway some assistants to choose lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance, creating a trade-off between immediate pay and long-term security. Understanding these dynamics can help dental assistants in Avon Lake negotiate effectively, ensuring they secure the compensation that aligns with their career goals and personal needs.
More salary data for Avon Lake, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Avon Lake in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Avon Lake?
Are dental assistants in Avon Lake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Avon Lake?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Avon Lake?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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 Avon Lake. 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 Avon Lake 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