Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Lexington, SC: $21.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Lexington, SC runs $21.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,613 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,366 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lexington, South Carolina, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $21.93 in 2026. This figure is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $23.84, indicating a regional variation in earnings within the profession. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $27,797 annually, which may be appealing for individuals seeking flexibility in their work-life balance. Entry-level dental assistants may earn as little as $17.26 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $26.14 hourly. These rates reflect the typical environments where dental assistants operate, including general dentistry offices, pediatric facilities, and specialty practices, where the demand for skilled support personnel continues to rise.
About the Lexington 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) | $17.26 | $138.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.21 | $161.64 |
| Median (P50) | $21.93 | $175.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.44 | $203.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.14 | $209.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $21.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.93/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, SC can expect to earn approximately $45,609 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,313. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $877.10 | $3,801 | $45,609 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $526.26 | $2,280 | $27,366 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $350.84 | $1,520 | $18,244 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Lexington) | $21.93 |
| 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 Lexington, SC earn a median of $45,613 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.00% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $48,267.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.93/hr = $27,366/year (purchasing power: $29,908).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,609/year (purchasing power: $49,846).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Lexington grew 19.9% from $17.73/hr (2019) to $21.26/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.62/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
For part-time dental assistants working in Lexington, the earning potential can vary substantially depending on hours and employer type. A typical three-day workweek allows one to maintain a steady income while balancing other commitments. On the other hand, per diem dental assistant pay in Lexington ranges significantly, with rates typically between $22 and $35 per hour, particularly in specialized fields like oral surgery and orthodontics, where experienced DAs can reach $28 to $45 per hour. The choice of employer also influences hourly wages; general dental practices may offer less compared to specialty offices or DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen, which often provide standardized pay scales but might lack some benefits. Negotiating hourly pay can be vital, especially for those weighing the pros and cons of a slightly lower rate that includes health insurance versus a higher hourly rate without benefits. Understanding these dynamics can help dental assistants in Lexington maximize their earning potential while navigating their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Lexington?
Are dental assistants in Lexington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Lexington?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lexington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 Lexington. 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 Lexington 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