Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Lorain, OH: $23.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Lorain, OH runs $23.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,394 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Lorain's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,039 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lorain, Ohio, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $23.27 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This difference reflects local economic conditions, where dental assistants can expect to earn between $17.20 and $29.34 per hour depending on their experience and the specific employers. For part-time dental assistants, typically working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a sustainable income, especially for those balancing studies or family commitments. Per-diem positions can also be lucrative, allowing for flexibility in settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. With earnings structured to reflect the hourly scale rather than annual salaries, those in the field can adjust their schedules to maximize income while managing personal responsibilities.
About the Lorain 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) | $17.20 | $137.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.12 | $176.99 |
| Median (P50) | $23.27 | $186.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.80 | $222.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.34 | $234.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lorain
Based on $23.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.27/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lorain, OH can expect to earn approximately $48,398 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,922. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lorain.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lorain
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $930.74 | $4,033 | $48,398 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $558.44 | $2,420 | $29,039 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.29 | $1,613 | $19,359 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Lorain) | $23.27 |
| 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 Lorain, OH earn a median of $48,394 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.39% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $47,868.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.27/hr = $29,039/year (purchasing power: $32,016).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,398/year (purchasing power: $53,361).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Lorain grew 19.9% from $18.81/hr (2019) to $22.56/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.00/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 Lorain 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 Lorain
Looking at the broader perspective, a dental assistant in Lorain working part-time for 24 hours a week could take home around $29,158 annually, which illustrates a meaningful income for those choosing not to work full-time. For per-diem or agency dental assistants, billing rates vary widely—often between $22 and $35 an hour for general practices and reaching up to $45 in specialized orthodontic and oral surgery settings. This variability offers opportunities but may also come with trade-offs; many professionals may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, particularly when working with larger dental service organizations like Heartland or Aspen, which tend to standardize their compensation structures. When considering employment options, dental assistants in Lorain should negotiate wisely, emphasizing their unique skills and potential contributions, especially in specialties that appreciate advanced training, such as expanded function roles recognized by DANB.
More salary data for Lorain, 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 Lorain. 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 Lorain 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