Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Hazleton, PA: $22.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Hazleton, PA runs $22.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,722 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Hazleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,035 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hazleton, Pennsylvania, dental assistants earn a median hourly wage of $22.46, which falls slightly below the national average of $23.84. This figure demonstrates the earning potential for those working in various dental settings such as general dentistry practices, orthodontic offices, and specialty clinics. For dental assistants considering part-time work, a typical schedule of three days a week can lead to significant supplemental income. Entry-level dental assistants can expect an hourly income starting around $17.06, while more experienced workers, especially in specialized roles, can earn up to $28.82 per hour. These hourly rates reflect the estimated annual salaries adjusted for the dental field's specific needs in Hazleton.
About the Hazleton Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.06 | $136.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.63 | $173.03 |
| Median (P50) | $22.46 | $179.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.20 | $217.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.82 | $230.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hazleton
Based on $22.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.46/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hazleton, PA can expect to earn approximately $46,725 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,957. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hazleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hazleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $898.56 | $3,894 | $46,725 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $539.13 | $2,336 | $28,035 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.42 | $1,557 | $18,690 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Hazleton) | $22.46 |
| 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 Hazleton, PA earn a median of $46,722 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.76% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.00% below the Pennsylvania state average of $48,167.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.46/hr = $28,035/year (purchasing power: $28,783).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,725/year (purchasing power: $47,972).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Hazleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Hazleton grew 19.9% from $18.16/hr (2019) to $21.78/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.17/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 Hazleton 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 Hazleton
Part-time dental assistants in Hazleton who work 24 hours a week can earn approximately $29,000 annually, a respectable amount compared to the demands of the role. Many DAs also opt for per-diem work to increase their earnings, commonly billing between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialties like oral surgery or orthodontics allowing rates to soar between $28 and $45 per hour. Employers vary widely in terms of pay, as general dental practices typically offer different compensation levels than pediatric offices or oral surgery centers. Some dental assistants may choose lower hourly rates for the benefits that come with full-time positions, while others might prefer the flexibility of higher-paying temporary roles, even if those lack benefits. Negotiating for higher wages is often a key strategy in Hazleton's dental job market, especially as the role evolves with the growth of dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen, which standardize pay across their practices.
More salary data for Hazleton, PA:
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 Hazleton. 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 Hazleton 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