Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Conway, SC: $22.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Conway, SC runs $22.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,316 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Conway's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,790 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Conway, South Carolina, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $22.27, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate holds significance for part-time and per-diem dental assistants who typically work in various environments, including general dentistry operatories and specialized clinics. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this can translate to a manageable balance between work and personal life while still making a respectable income. The hourly wage spans from an entry-level rate of $18.64 to a maximum of $26.84 for more experienced practitioners, providing a clear pathway for growth and specialization within the field. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, highlight the potential for a rewarding career in dental assisting in this region.
About the Conway 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) | $18.64 | $149.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.26 | $170.06 |
| Median (P50) | $22.27 | $178.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.08 | $208.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.84 | $214.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Conway
Based on $22.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.27/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Conway, SC can expect to earn approximately $46,317 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,722. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Conway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Conway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $890.72 | $3,860 | $46,317 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $534.43 | $2,316 | $27,790 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $356.29 | $1,544 | $18,527 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Conway) | $22.27 |
| 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 Conway, SC earn a median of $46,316 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.58% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.10% below the South Carolina state average of $48,296.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.27/hr = $27,790/year (purchasing power: $30,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,317/year (purchasing power: $50,620).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Conway grew 19.9% from $18.00/hr (2019) to $21.59/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.97/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 Conway 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 Conway
Focusing on earning potential, a dental assistant working part-time at $22.27 per hour and clocking in roughly 24 hours each week could expect an annual take-home pay significantly lower than a full-time counterpart. Their take-home could average approximately $27,500 compared to full-time earnings, underscoring the financial realities of part-time roles. For those considering per diem work, billable rates commonly range from $22 to $35 per hour, and specialized positions in oral surgery or orthodontics can command even higher rates of $28 to $45 per hour. The differences in hourly compensation across various employer types in Conway are noteworthy, as general practices tend to pay less than specialty offices or dental school clinics. Many dental assistants may choose slightly lower rates to receive health benefits, highlighting the trade-offs of hourly compensation packages. Effective negotiation strategies can help secure better pay, especially in a market shaped by DSO consolidations like Heartland and Aspen, where standardized pay scales are becoming prevalent.
More salary data for Conway, SC:
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 Conway. 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 Conway 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