Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Florence, SC: $20.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Florence, SC runs $20.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,546 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.8, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,130 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Dental assistant hourly pay in Florence, SC, currently sits at $20.94, reflecting a competitive rate within the region. Compared to the national hourly median of $23.84, this rate indicates a slight lag in remuneration for dental assistants in Florence. For individuals working part-time—perhaps three days a week—this translates to manageable earnings despite the lower average. In typical settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, or orthodontic practices, the potential pay range spans from $15.82 for entry-level positions to $26.75 for experienced practitioners. The data comes from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicating a steady employment outlook for dental assistants across various types of practices in the area.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.82 | $126.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.38 | $147.04 |
| Median (P50) | $20.94 | $167.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.11 | $184.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.75 | $214.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence
Based on $20.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.94/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, SC can expect to earn approximately $43,550 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,125. With a cost-of-living index of 86.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $837.50 | $3,629 | $43,550 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $502.50 | $2,177 | $26,130 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $335.00 | $1,452 | $17,420 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Florence) | $20.94 |
| 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 Florence, SC earn a median of $43,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.17% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 9.80% below the South Carolina state average of $48,277.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.94/hr = $26,130/year (purchasing power: $30,113).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,550/year (purchasing power: $50,188).
CoL index: 86.774 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Florence grew 11.0% from $18.29/hr (2019) to $20.30/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.59/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 Florence 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 Florence
Analyzing the financial outlook, part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week can expect to bring home around $26,793 annually, a figure that is notably lower than full-time employees. Per diem dental assistant pay in Florence can vary significantly, with many billing between $22-$35 per hour or even reaching as high as $45 per hour for specialized roles like oral surgery. Agencies that provide temporary staffing options, such as Cloud Dentistry or GoTu, offer opportunities to fill in shifts, which can be financially advantageous for those seeking flexibility. Hourly rates differ based on employer type; general practices may provide lower wages compared to specialized clinics like orthodontic or periodontal offices. Consequently, dental assistants often face a decision between higher hourly rates without benefits or slightly lower rates that include health insurance—this trade-off plays a vital role in job satisfaction. Effective negotiation strategies, especially for hourly workers in Florence, can lead to improved pay rates and working conditions, making it imperative for dental assistants to understand their worth in the market.
More salary data for Florence, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Florence in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Florence?
Are dental assistants in Florence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Florence?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Florence?
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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 Florence. 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