Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Delaware, OH: $22.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Delaware, OH runs $22.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,279 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Delaware's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,370 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Delaware, Ohio, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $22.73, slightly below the national median of $23.84. For professionals working part-time, such as those in general dentistry operatories or pediatric exam rooms who may work three days a week, this rate translates into meaningful weekly earnings, especially if they opt for flexible per-diem arrangements. The hourly range for dental assistants in Delaware is quite diverse, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $17.93 and experienced assistants earning as high as $27.67. This range reflects the estimated data derived from annual salary figures and indicates the potential for reasonably lucrative per-diem contracts as well, especially within various specialized practice settings such as orthodontics or oral surgery.
About the Delaware 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) | $17.93 | $143.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.87 | $174.93 |
| Median (P50) | $22.73 | $181.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.68 | $213.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.67 | $221.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Delaware
Based on $22.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.73/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Delaware, OH can expect to earn approximately $47,283 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,278. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Delaware.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Delaware
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $909.28 | $3,940 | $47,283 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $545.57 | $2,364 | $28,370 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $363.71 | $1,576 | $18,913 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Delaware) | $22.73 |
| 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 Delaware, OH earn a median of $47,279 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.64% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.20% below the Ohio state average of $47,854.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.73/hr = $28,370/year (purchasing power: $31,279).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,283/year (purchasing power: $52,131).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Delaware grew 19.9% from $18.38/hr (2019) to $22.04/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.45/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 Delaware 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 Delaware
When considering full-time versus part-time scenarios, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate will see a significant difference in annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem dental assistants often command hourly rates ranging from $22 to $35, with specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially reaching $28 to $45 per hour. Employment with larger group practices or Dental Support Organizations like Heartland and Aspen may offer slightly lower hourly rates, but these roles often come with valuable benefits such as health insurance, which some dental assistants prioritize over higher wages. Negotiating hourly pay can be critical, particularly in a market influenced by DSO consolidation; understanding the specific demands and responsibilities of your role can support salary discussions effectively.
More salary data for Delaware, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Delaware in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Delaware?
Are dental assistants in Delaware paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Delaware?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Delaware?
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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 Delaware. 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 Delaware 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