Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Jenks, OK: $20.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Jenks, OK runs $20.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,086 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Jenks's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,255 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jenks, Oklahoma, the median hourly pay for dental assistants is projected to be $20.24 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.84, reflecting local market conditions and cost of living factors. For those working part-time, such as a typical three-day workweek, this translates to approximately $811 weekly, a manageable income for individuals balancing multiple commitments. Per-diem workers, operating in various dental settings like general dentistry operatories or pediatric offices, can expect to find a range of $16.39 to $24.49 per hour, depending on their experience level. The potential for different hourly rates exists for entry-level positions starting around $16.39 and can rise to about $24.49 for skilled professionals, indicating opportunities for career advancement and specialization within the dental field in Jenks.
About the Jenks 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) | $16.39 | $131.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.92 | $151.33 |
| Median (P50) | $20.24 | $161.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.76 | $190.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.49 | $195.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jenks
Based on $20.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.24/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jenks, OK can expect to earn approximately $42,091 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,283. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jenks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jenks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $809.44 | $3,508 | $42,091 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $485.67 | $2,105 | $25,255 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $323.78 | $1,403 | $16,836 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Jenks) | $20.24 |
| 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 Jenks, OK earn a median of $42,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.11% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.50% below the Oklahoma state average of $44,069.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.24/hr = $25,255/year (purchasing power: $28,408).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,091/year (purchasing power: $47,346).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Jenks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Jenks grew 19.9% from $16.36/hr (2019) to $19.62/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.87/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 Jenks 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 Jenks
Focusing on the financial aspects of part-time and per-diem roles, a dental assistant working three days a week at 24 hours annually would have an income of approximately $42,086, which could entice those seeking flexible work arrangements. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Jenks often lands between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialty roles like oral surgery or orthodontics sometimes commanding rates of $28 to $45 per hour. This variation highlights the potential for greater earnings depending on the work setting. Moreover, hourly compensation can differ across various dental practices, such as solo practices, group practices, and larger dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen. While some dental assistants may choose roles with lower hourly rates in exchange for healthcare benefits, others may prioritize higher wages without such benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay for positions in Jenks, it's essential to emphasize skills, certifications, and the growing trend of DSO hiring, which often standardizes pay scales while offering pathways towards advanced roles like Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).
More salary data for Jenks, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Jenks in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Jenks. 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 Jenks 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