Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Dayton, OH: $24.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Dayton, OH runs $24.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,239 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Dayton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,146 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dayton, Ohio, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $24.16, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This rate is significant for part-time workers, especially those opting for a 3-day work week within various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and periodontal surgical suites. For per-diem dental assistants, this hourly rate translates to varying opportunities, allowing flexibility while still earning a competitive wage. Here, entry-level dental assistants can start at around $18.44 per hour, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $36.09 in specialty clinics. According to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, this salary range reflects a growing demand for dental assistants in the area.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.44 | $147.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.85 | $182.76 |
| Median (P50) | $24.16 | $193.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.98 | $247.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.09 | $288.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dayton
Based on $24.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.16/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dayton, OH can expect to earn approximately $50,243 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,986. With a cost-of-living index of 92.69 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dayton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dayton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $966.22 | $4,187 | $50,243 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $579.73 | $2,512 | $30,146 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $386.49 | $1,675 | $20,097 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Dayton) | $24.16 |
| 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 Dayton, OH earn a median of $50,239 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.33% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 4.90% above the Ohio state average of $47,893.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.16/hr = $30,146/year (purchasing power: $32,522).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,243/year (purchasing power: $54,203).
CoL index: 92.694 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Dayton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Dayton grew 21.2% from $19.33/hr (2019) to $23.42/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.91/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 Dayton 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 Dayton
Exploring the financial landscape for dental assistants reveals distinct earning potentials based on work arrangements and employer types in Dayton. A dental assistant working part-time, for example, could take home roughly $28,000 annually by working 24 hours a week—significantly less than their full-time peers but allowing for personal flexibility. Per diem dental assistant pay in Dayton can range from $22 to $35 per hour, with higher specialties like oral surgery or orthodontics yielding rates between $28 and $45. Dental assistants in various practices, from solo general offices to larger DSO chains such as Aspen and Heartland, often see differing hourly rates based on the benefits offered. Some may choose lower hourly compensation to gain valuable health insurance. When negotiating their pay, dental assistants should consider not only salary figures but also the full spectrum of benefits, enhancing their financial viability while seeking roles within a competitive market shaped by DSO expansion.
More salary data for Dayton, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Dayton in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Dayton?
Are dental assistants in Dayton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Dayton?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Dayton?
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 Dayton. 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