Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Bethany, OK: $20.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Bethany, 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 Bethany'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 Bethany, Oklahoma, the projected median hourly pay for dental assistants stands at $20.05, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.84. This difference reflects the local economy and cost of living, placing Bethany's dental assistant hourly rate on the lower end of the scale. For part-time workers, particularly those committed to three days a week, this translates to roughly $1,529 monthly if they work 24 hours, which can be supplemented further through per-diem opportunities. Entry-level dental assistants in Bethany can expect to start around $15.94 per hour, while more experienced professionals—often found in specialized settings like oral surgery or pediatric dentistry—may earn upwards of $25.17. It's crucial for anyone considering a role in dental assistance to understand that these rates are derived from overall annual salary data, and actual earnings may vary based on the specific work environment.
About the Bethany 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) | $15.94 | $127.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.52 | $148.19 |
| Median (P50) | $20.05 | $160.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.05 | $192.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.17 | $201.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethany
Based on $20.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.05/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethany, 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 Bethany.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethany
| 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 (Bethany) | $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 Bethany, 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 Bethany (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 Bethany 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 Bethany 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 Bethany
For those aiming to maximize their income, options for part-time employment reveal significant contrasts. A dental assistant working part-time for three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, might earn around $36,288 annually—substantially less than their full-time counterparts. The reality of per-diem dental assistant pay in Bethany can range dramatically, with many per diem positions offering anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, and specialized roles can command up to $45. Different employer types further influence hourly wages, as general practices may provide standard rates while specialty offices often pay more but might demand specific skills or certifications. The trade-off for some may involve accepting a lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, especially in a market dominated by DSO chains such as Heartland and Aspen. For dental assistants in Bethany, negotiating effectively for the best hourly rate involves showcasing relevant experience and understanding the diverse pay structures within this evolving industry.
More salary data for Bethany, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Bethany in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Bethany?
Are dental assistants in Bethany paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Bethany?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bethany?
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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 Bethany. 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 Bethany 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