Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Norman, OK: $21.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Norman, OK runs $21.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,672 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Norman's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,799 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norman, OK, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $21.47 as projected for 2026, which falls below the national median of $23.84 per hour. This difference may impact those considering part-time or per-diem roles within various dental settings, such as general dentistry operatories or pediatric exam rooms. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to start as low as $15.62 per hour, while more experienced professionals in specialized clinics or higher-demand roles can earn up to $27.71 per hour. Given that hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, this reflects ongoing trends in the local job market and the types of services being offered.
About the Norman 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) | $15.62 | $124.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.24 | $161.89 |
| Median (P50) | $21.47 | $171.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.92 | $207.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.71 | $221.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norman
Based on $21.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.47/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norman, OK can expect to earn approximately $44,665 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,768. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $858.95 | $3,722 | $44,665 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $515.37 | $2,233 | $26,799 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $343.58 | $1,489 | $17,866 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Norman) | $21.47 |
| 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 Norman, OK earn a median of $44,672 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.90% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.40% above the Oklahoma state average of $44,055.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.47/hr = $26,799/year (purchasing power: $30,145).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,665/year (purchasing power: $50,242).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Norman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Norman grew 19.9% from $17.36/hr (2019) to $20.82/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.15/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 Norman 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 Norman
When evaluating the earnings potential in this field, a dental assistant working three days a week, or 24 hours, can anticipate a solid but reduced annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. The compensation for per-diem dental assistants in Norman can vary significantly, with pay rates typically ranging from $22 to $35 per hour for standard roles, and potentially reaching $28 to $45 per hour in specialized areas like oral surgery and orthodontics. Many dental assistants often find themselves connected with temp agencies that facilitate single-day shifts, providing flexibility that may appeal to professionals looking for variable work schedules. Moreover, while general dental practices usually offer consistent hours and possibly benefits, specialty practices might provide higher pay but lack health insurance. Negotiating an hourly rate can be pivotal for dental assistants in Norman; emphasizing experience, certifications like DANB, and the demand for skilled professionals can lead to better pay arrangements.
More salary data for Norman, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Norman in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Norman?
Are dental assistants in Norman paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Norman?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Norman?
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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 Norman. 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 Norman 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