Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Clemson, SC: $21.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Clemson, SC runs $21.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,469 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Clemson's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,683 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clemson, South Carolina, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $21.38, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $23.84. For dental assistants working part-time, perhaps three days a week, this rate enables a modest income while allowing flexibility. Per-diem workers in various settings—such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery suites—may find themselves in an hourly range starting from $17.73 for entry-level positions to as much as $26.48 for experienced DAs. This range reflects the diverse responsibilities within the field, with more advanced roles such as EFDA-credentialed dental assistants earning closer to the top tiers. As these figures are projections for 2026, they provide a forward-looking view of compensation in a market characterized by ongoing demand for dental care.
About the Clemson Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.73 | $141.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.36 | $162.88 |
| Median (P50) | $21.38 | $171.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.42 | $203.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.48 | $211.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clemson
Based on $21.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.38/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clemson, SC can expect to earn approximately $44,472 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,657. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clemson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clemson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $855.24 | $3,706 | $44,472 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $513.14 | $2,224 | $26,683 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $342.09 | $1,482 | $17,789 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Clemson) | $21.38 |
| 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 Clemson, SC earn a median of $44,469 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.31% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.90% below the South Carolina state average of $48,283.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.38/hr = $26,683/year (purchasing power: $29,162).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,472/year (purchasing power: $48,604).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Clemson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Clemson grew 19.9% from $17.28/hr (2019) to $20.73/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.05/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 Clemson 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 Clemson
For a dental assistant working part-time—let's say 24 hours weekly—the annual earnings may tally around $26,259 based on the hourly pay, in stark contrast to a full-time position where one could see significant benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. Per diem dental assistants often find themselves billing between $22 to $35 per hour, while those filling specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics can command rates from $28 up to $45 per hour. Variability in hourly pay is also shaped by the type of employer; general dental practices and larger DSOs like Heartland or Aspen typically offer standardized pay scales. Thus, many dental assistants must weigh the advantage of a higher hourly rate against the security of benefits, leading to individual decisions based on personal circumstances. Negotiating effectively for hourly wages is vital, especially in Clemson's competitive hiring landscape, so being well-informed and prepared to discuss skill sets can significantly impact earning potential.
More salary data for Clemson, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Clemson in 2026?
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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 Clemson. 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 Clemson 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