Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Cleveland, TN: $22.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Cleveland, TN runs $22.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,650 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.1, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,996 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The dental assistant hourly pay in Cleveland, TN, for 2026 is projected at $22.43, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This figure reflects the average earnings dental assistants can expect while working in various environments, from general dentistry operatives to specialized pediatric or orthodontic offices. For those opting for part-time positions, such as working three days a week, the pay translates to flexibility, allowing them to balance work with other commitments. Entry-level dental assistants may earn around $17.97 per hour, while experienced professionals can make as much as $29.32 per hour, demonstrating a healthy wage progression in this field.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.97 | $143.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.96 | $151.66 |
| Median (P50) | $22.43 | $179.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.57 | $188.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.32 | $234.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $22.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.43/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, TN can expect to earn approximately $46,661 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,920. With a cost-of-living index of 88.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $897.32 | $3,888 | $46,661 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $538.39 | $2,333 | $27,996 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $358.93 | $1,555 | $18,664 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Cleveland) | $22.43 |
| 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 Cleveland, TN earn a median of $46,650 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.91% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.10% below the Tennessee state average of $47,651.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.43/hr = $27,996/year (purchasing power: $31,785).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,661/year (purchasing power: $52,975).
CoL index: 88.08 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Cleveland grew 24.4% from $17.49/hr (2019) to $21.75/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.14/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
In examining the earning potential for dental assistants, part-time employees averaging 24 hours a week could see an annual income of approximately $27,900, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Many dental assistants also explore per diem opportunities, where the pay can range from $22 to $35 an hour, and for specialized fields like oral surgery or orthodontics, rates can reach $28 to $45 an hour. Employer types in Cleveland greatly influence wages: general practices often offer more modest hourly rates compared to specialty offices or dental school clinics that might provide additional benefits. Some professionals choose jobs that offer lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, highlighting a common trade-off. When negotiating pay, dental assistants should emphasize their training through organizations like DANB or ADAA, which can bolster their position for higher wage discussions.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Cleveland in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Cleveland?
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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 Cleveland. 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, 6-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