Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbia, TN: $22.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Columbia, TN runs $22.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,443 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,868 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, Tennessee, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 is $22.33, slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate provides significant earning potential for both part-time dental assistants and per-diem workers in various settings, such as general dentistry operatories and specialty clinics. For instance, a dental assistant working three days a week could secure around $1,778 monthly before taxes, making this profession a feasible choice for many seeking flexibility. The hourly wage range also highlights the career's potential; entry-level positions may start at $17.11, while top earners, particularly in specialized fields, can command hourly rates as high as $28.78. These figures give a robust overview of the opportunities available within Columbia's dental market.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.11 | $136.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.25 | $161.97 |
| Median (P50) | $22.33 | $178.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.18 | $217.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.78 | $230.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $22.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.33/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, TN can expect to earn approximately $46,446 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,796. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $893.19 | $3,871 | $46,446 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $535.92 | $2,322 | $27,868 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $357.28 | $1,548 | $18,578 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Columbia) | $22.33 |
| 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 Columbia, TN earn a median of $46,443 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.33% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $47,634.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.33/hr = $27,868/year (purchasing power: $30,357).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,446/year (purchasing power: $50,595).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Columbia grew 19.9% from $18.05/hr (2019) to $21.65/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.03/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Exploring part-time options, a dental assistant working 24 hours weekly could expect an annual take-home pay significantly lower than that of a full-time employee, with part-timers missing out on benefits that usually accompany full-time positions. Per diem dental assistants in Columbia often charge between $22 and $35 per hour for routine duties, while those specializing in orthodontics or oral surgery might see rates climb to $28 to $45 per hour. The diverse range of employer types affects hourly compensation as well; general practices may offer different rates compared to pediatric dental offices or dental school clinics. Some assistants may opt for lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance, balancing immediate income needs with long-term coverage. Negotiation for hourly pay can be more effective in this labor market; establishing connections with local dental offices and staying informed about the growing DSO chains in the region can enhance a dental assistant's opportunities for better pay and career advancement.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Columbia?
Are dental assistants in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Columbia?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Columbia?
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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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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