Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Middletown, OH: $22.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Middletown, OH runs $22.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,454 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,473 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Middletown, Ohio can expect to see a median hourly pay of $22.81, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This hourly figure presents various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in different clinical settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric care, and orthodontic practices. Specifically, entry-level dental assistants could earn as little as $18.13 per hour, while those with experience and specialization in areas like oral surgery and periodontal care may command up to $28.81 per hour. Such rates reflect the competitive environment in Middletown, where the dental assistant hourly pay must align with standards for quality care and patient service in the local market.
About the Middletown 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) | $18.13 | $145.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.16 | $169.31 |
| Median (P50) | $22.81 | $182.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.34 | $218.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.81 | $230.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $22.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.81/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, OH can expect to earn approximately $47,454 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,377. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $912.58 | $3,955 | $47,454 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $547.55 | $2,373 | $28,473 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.03 | $1,582 | $18,982 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Middletown) | $22.81 |
| 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 Middletown, OH earn a median of $47,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.29% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.90% below the Ohio state average of $47,885.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.81/hr = $28,473/year (purchasing power: $31,392).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,454/year (purchasing power: $52,320).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Middletown grew 19.9% from $18.44/hr (2019) to $22.12/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.53/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
Turning to the practical implications of this hourly wage, a dental assistant working part-time, for instance, three days a week—approximately 24 hours—would take home an estimated annual amount significantly lower than a full-time counterpart. Per-diem opportunities can vary widely as well, with dental assistants billing anywhere from $22 to $35 hourly, and those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontic procedures can earn as much as $28 to $45 an hour. The nature of employment also influences pay; general practices may offer different hourly compensation compared to specialized offices or dental school clinics. Furthermore, benefits such as health insurance often come into play in salary negotiations. Some dental assistants may choose to accept a slightly lower hourly rate for the security of benefits, while others pursuing higher pay without health coverage have more flexibility in their work schedules. Effective negotiation strategies are key, especially for hourly workers in Middletown, who should understand the local market and available paths for advancement, including expanded scope of practice designations such as EFDA.
More salary data for Middletown, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Middletown in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Middletown?
Are dental assistants in Middletown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Middletown?
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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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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