Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Stillwater, OK: $20.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Stillwater, OK runs $20.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,876 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Stillwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,731 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stillwater, Oklahoma, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $20.62 in 2026, a figure which is notably lower than the national median of $23.84 per hour. This disparity may impact part-time and per-diem workers who typically seek flexible scheduling in various settings, including general dentistry offices and specialized clinics. For those working three days a week, the earnings can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $16.24 and top earners reaching up to $27.28 per hour. These rates reflect both the demand for dental assistants in the area and the ongoing trends influenced by local healthcare practices, where dental assistants play a vital role in patient care.
About the Stillwater 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) | $16.24 | $129.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.10 | $152.81 |
| Median (P50) | $20.62 | $164.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.35 | $202.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.28 | $218.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stillwater
Based on $20.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.62/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stillwater, OK can expect to earn approximately $42,885 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,741. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Stillwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stillwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $824.71 | $3,574 | $42,885 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $494.82 | $2,144 | $25,731 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $329.88 | $1,429 | $17,154 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Stillwater) | $20.62 |
| 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 Stillwater, OK earn a median of $42,876 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.52% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.70% below the Oklahoma state average of $44,066.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.62/hr = $25,731/year (purchasing power: $28,944).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,885/year (purchasing power: $48,239).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Stillwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Stillwater grew 19.9% from $16.67/hr (2019) to $19.99/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.27/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 Stillwater 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 Stillwater
The earning potential for part-time dental assistants in Stillwater is particularly attractive when considering the income generated through consistent weekly shifts. A 24-hour work week would yield around $19,025 annually, significantly less than full-time salaries, but it allows for greater work-life balance. Per diem dental assistant pay in this region fluctuates, with rates between $22 and $35 per hour, particularly for those specializing in oral surgery and orthodontic practices, which can command even higher rates of $28 to $45 per hour. This variability is compounded by employer type, as general dental practices may offer less competitive rates compared to specialty clinics. Additionally, many dental assistants face the challenge of choosing between slightly lower hourly wages with benefits and higher rates without health insurance. For those negotiating their pay, emphasizing specialized skills or certifications—like those from DANB or EFDA—can enhance bargaining power in a competitive job market shaped by DSO chain consolidation in the area.
More salary data for Stillwater, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Stillwater. 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 Stillwater 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