Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Shawnee, OK: $20.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Shawnee, OK runs $20.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Shawnee's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,705 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shawnee, Oklahoma, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $20.60, which falls below the national median of $23.84. This rate can significantly influence earning potential for part-time workers, such as those who may choose to work three days a week, as well as per-diem dental assistants. Within general dentistry facilities, pediatric practices, and oral surgery rooms, hourly wages range from $15.69 for entry-level positions to $26.42 for the more experienced professionals. These figures, drawn from annual salary estimates, depict a diverse landscape for dental assistant hourly pay in Shawnee, highlighting opportunities for both steady employment and flexible, per-shift work.
About the Shawnee 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) | $15.69 | $125.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.86 | $158.92 |
| Median (P50) | $20.60 | $164.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.23 | $193.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.42 | $211.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shawnee
Based on $20.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.60/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shawnee, OK can expect to earn approximately $42,842 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,716. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shawnee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shawnee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $823.88 | $3,570 | $42,842 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $494.33 | $2,142 | $25,705 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $329.55 | $1,428 | $17,137 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Shawnee) | $20.60 |
| 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 Shawnee, OK earn a median of $42,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.60% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.80% below the Oklahoma state average of $44,068.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.60/hr = $25,705/year (purchasing power: $28,915).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,842/year (purchasing power: $48,191).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Shawnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Shawnee grew 19.9% from $16.65/hr (2019) to $19.97/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.24/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 Shawnee 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 Shawnee
For part-time dental assistants in Shawnee working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can be considerably less than their full-time counterparts, coming in at just under $26,000 yearly. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Shawnee tends to range from $22 to $35 per hour, while specialized roles, such as in oral surgery or orthodontics, can command rates between $28 and $45. These variances reflect the type of clinical setting, with general practices generally offering lower pay compared to specialty offices. Furthermore, dental assistants might face a trade-off, opting for positions with health benefits that may offer lower hourly rates or pursuing higher-paid roles that lack insurance. For those navigating this sector, negotiating based on the specific skill set, qualifications, and experience level is key in maximizing what each professional can earn hourly while considering the compensation packages that come with different employment types.
More salary data for Shawnee, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Shawnee in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Shawnee?
Are dental assistants in Shawnee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Shawnee?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Shawnee?
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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 Shawnee. 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 Shawnee 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