Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Guayama, PR: $13.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Guayama, PR runs $13.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $27,796 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Puerto Rico's regional price level (BEA RPP 75.0, 25% below national), each hour of work buys what $17.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $16,682 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Guayama, Puerto Rico, the projected median hourly pay for dental assistants in 2026 is $13.37, which presents a significant disparity when compared to the national median hourly rate of $23.84. For those working part-time, such as three days per week, this hourly rate translates to a take-home paycheck that reflects the realities of working in various dental settings, including general dentistry operatories and orthodontic chair rows. The hourly range for this profession spans from $10.83 for entry-level positions to $27.81 for top earners, showcasing the potential for growth within the role. For per-diem workers, opportunities abound in dental clinics, as they can move between settings based on demand, making this pay structure ideal for those who prefer flexible schedules.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $10.83 | $86.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $11.23 | $89.86 |
| Median (P50) | $13.37 | $106.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.42 | $187.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.81 | $222.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Guayama
Based on $13.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $13.37/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Guayama, PR can expect to earn approximately $27,803 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $16,040.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Guayama
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $534.68 | $2,317 | $27,803 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $320.81 | $1,390 | $16,682 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $213.87 | $927 | $11,121 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Guayama) | $13.37 |
| 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 Guayama, PR earn a median of $27,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 43.94% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 17.40% below the Puerto Rico state average of $33,652.
2019 BLS Actual
$8.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$12.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$13.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+58.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Guayama (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $8.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $8.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $8.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $8.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $10.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $10.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $12.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $13.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $13.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Guayama grew 48.8% from $8.71/hr (2019) to $12.96/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $13.79/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 Guayama 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 Guayama
When considering the earning potential of a dental assistant in Guayama, it’s essential to evaluate the choices between part-time and per-diem work. A dental assistant working part-time at $13.37 an hour for 24 hours a week can expect an annual income significantly lower than full-time colleagues, with figures around $16,000, substantially impacting financial stability. Many per-diem dental assistants often command higher rates, typically billing between $22 and $35 an hour, especially in specialties like oral surgery and orthodontics, where the pay can reach $28 to $45 an hour. This higher pay aligns well with the trend of temporary dental assistant agencies connecting dental professionals with fill-in shifts. However, job security and benefits are often trade-offs; those working in established dental practices may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and stable schedules. For dental assistants in Guayama looking to maximize their earnings, carefully negotiating pay, understanding employer types, and weighing their value based on certifications and specialties will be fundamental in the current competitive market.
More salary data for Guayama, PR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Guayama in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Guayama?
Are dental assistants in Guayama paid hourly or salary?
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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 Guayama. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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