Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Johnson City, TN: $22.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Johnson City, TN runs $22.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,970 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Johnson City's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,177 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Johnson City, TN, earn a median hourly pay of $22.58, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This rate impacts those working part-time or in per-diem positions, typically in settings like general dentistry operatories, orthodontic chair rows, and oral surgery procedure rooms. For dental assistants working three days a week, the income can offer a substantial but variable paycheck, while those seeking per-diem roles often may see hourly rates between $17.77 and $29.70, depending on their experience and the specific practice type. The hourly earnings vary significantly from entry-level positions to those at the top of the pay scale, making it essential for aspiring dental assistants to understand these dynamics.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.77 | $142.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.75 | $150.01 |
| Median (P50) | $22.58 | $180.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.29 | $194.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.70 | $237.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnson City
Based on $22.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.58/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnson City, TN can expect to earn approximately $46,961 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,093. With a cost-of-living index of 87.93 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Johnson City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnson City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $903.09 | $3,913 | $46,961 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $541.86 | $2,348 | $28,177 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $361.24 | $1,565 | $18,784 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Johnson City) | $22.58 |
| 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 Johnson City, TN earn a median of $46,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.26% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.40% below the Tennessee state average of $47,637.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.58/hr = $28,177/year (purchasing power: $32,045).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,961/year (purchasing power: $53,408).
CoL index: 87.928 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Johnson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Johnson City grew 9.6% from $19.97/hr (2019) to $21.89/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.29/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 Johnson City 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 Johnson City
For part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week in Johnson City, the annual earnings can be a realistic alternative to full-time work. While full-time staff often work towards additional benefits, many part-time and per-diem roles offer pay flexibility that can range from $22 to $35, with specialty positions in oral surgery or orthodontics pushing pay as high as $28 to $45 per hour. Employers in Johnson City vary, from small practices to large chains such as Heartland and Pacific Dental, influencing pay scales and available benefits. Some dental assistants trade-off lower hourly pay for health insurance and job security, while others may prefer a higher hourly rate without benefits for flexibility. Negotiating pay in Johnson City can involve leveraging local demand and the wellness of the dental sector, especially as advancements in roles such as EFDA grow opportunities for greater compensation.
More salary data for Johnson City, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Johnson City in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Johnson City?
Are dental assistants in Johnson City paid hourly or salary?
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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 Johnson City. 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