Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Mauldin, SC: $22.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Mauldin, SC runs $22.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,536 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Mauldin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,524 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mauldin, South Carolina, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at $22.86, slightly below the national median of $23.84. This positioning reflects the local economic landscape, where part-time opportunities are plentiful, particularly in various clinical settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. For those working part-time at about three days a week, this hourly rate translates to manageable take-home earnings while allowing for flexible schedules. Additionally, the pay range for dental assistants here starts at $17.91 for entry-level positions, extending up to $27.68 for experienced professionals, reflecting a competitive pay structure that caters to both newcomers and seasoned dental assistants.
About the Mauldin 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) | $17.91 | $143.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.90 | $175.17 |
| Median (P50) | $22.86 | $182.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.74 | $213.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.68 | $221.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mauldin
Based on $22.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.86/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mauldin, SC can expect to earn approximately $47,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,427. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mauldin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mauldin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $914.23 | $3,962 | $47,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $548.54 | $2,377 | $28,524 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.69 | $1,585 | $19,016 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Mauldin) | $22.86 |
| 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 Mauldin, SC earn a median of $47,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.12% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.60% below the South Carolina state average of $48,309.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.86/hr = $28,524/year (purchasing power: $31,174).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,540/year (purchasing power: $51,956).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Mauldin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Mauldin grew 19.9% from $18.48/hr (2019) to $22.16/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.57/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 Mauldin 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 Mauldin
Part-time dental assistants in Mauldin working 24 hours a week could expect an annual income of around $28,396, contrasting significantly with full-time colleagues who earn substantially more through 40-hour workweeks. Per diem dental assistant pay in Mauldin varies widely, with typical billing from $22 to $35 hourly, and those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics can ask for rates between $28 and $45. Various employer types in Mauldin, including solo practices, DSOs like Heartland and Pacific Dental, and specialized clinics, can influence hourly earnings. While some dental assistants may opt for lower-paying jobs to secure benefits like health insurance, others prefer higher hourly rates without such perks. For those negotiating pay, understanding local market trends and rates can provide leverage in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Mauldin, 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 Mauldin. 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 Mauldin 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