Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Ardmore, OK: $20.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Ardmore, OK runs $20.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Ardmore's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,023 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Ardmore, Oklahoma can expect a median hourly rate of $20.05, which is notably lower than the national average of $23.84. This pay rate reflects the local market, and for those working part-time, such as three days a week, it offers a reliable income of approximately $21,000 annually based on a 24-hour workweek. For per-diem workers, commonly found in various dental settings like pediatric exam rooms, orthodontic practices, and oral surgery suites, the pay can vary widely. In Ardmore, entry-level dental assistants start at an hourly rate of around $15.98, while experienced professionals can earn up to $25.48 per hour, highlighting a significant range influenced by individual skill sets, employer type, and specialization.
About the Ardmore Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.98 | $127.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.70 | $149.59 |
| Median (P50) | $20.05 | $160.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.12 | $193.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.48 | $203.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ardmore
Based on $20.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.05/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ardmore, OK can expect to earn approximately $41,705 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,060. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ardmore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ardmore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $802.02 | $3,475 | $41,705 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $481.21 | $2,085 | $25,023 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $320.81 | $1,390 | $16,682 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Ardmore) | $20.05 |
| 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 Ardmore, OK earn a median of $41,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.87% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.40% below the Oklahoma state average of $44,093.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.05/hr = $25,023/year (purchasing power: $28,147).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,705/year (purchasing power: $46,912).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Ardmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Ardmore grew 19.9% from $16.21/hr (2019) to $19.44/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.68/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 Ardmore 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 Ardmore
The earning potential for dental assistants varies considerably based on their work arrangements and employer types in Ardmore. A part-time dental assistant working 24 hours a week would earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts, amounting to nearly $21,000 compared to over $41,000 for full-time employees. For those considering per diem positions—a common model in today’s dental workplace—they can tap into higher rates, ranging from $22 to $35 an hour. Specialty roles, particularly in orthodontics or oral surgery, can escalate these rates further, hitting between $28 and $45 an hour. Various employers also influence these rates; large dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen may offer consistent pay structures but can be lower than smaller private practices that might provide higher compensation in exchange for fewer benefits. Dental assistants should weigh the potential for higher hourly pay against the stability and health insurance options that full-time roles may provide. When negotiating salaries, being aware of local trends and specialized credentials, such as EFDA, can empower dental assistants in Ardmore to secure more favorable compensation.
More salary data for Ardmore, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Ardmore in 2026?
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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 Ardmore. 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 Ardmore 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