Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in American Fork, UT: $17.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in American Fork, UT runs $17.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,278 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against American Fork's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,371 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In American Fork, Utah, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $17.93 in 2026, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $23.84. This discrepancy affects part-time and per-diem workers, many of whom find opportunities in a variety of settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery procedure rooms. For those working a typical schedule of three days a week, the hourly rate translates into significant income variations. Entry-level dental assistants may earn around $14.08 per hour, while more experienced professionals can command up to $21.89, according to projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data.
About the American Fork Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.08 | $112.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.55 | $132.43 |
| Median (P50) | $17.93 | $143.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.03 | $168.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.89 | $175.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in American Fork
Based on $17.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.93/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in American Fork, UT can expect to earn approximately $37,286 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,511. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in American Fork.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in American Fork
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $717.03 | $3,107 | $37,286 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $430.22 | $1,864 | $22,371 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $286.81 | $1,243 | $14,914 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (American Fork) | $17.93 |
| 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 American Fork, UT earn a median of $37,278 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.81% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.20% below the Utah state average of $37,731.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.93/hr = $22,371/year (purchasing power: $22,805).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,286/year (purchasing power: $38,008).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in American Fork (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in American Fork grew 19.9% from $14.49/hr (2019) to $17.38/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.49/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 American Fork 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 American Fork
For those considering part-time work, earning potential varies widely. A dental assistant working three days a week, or 24 hours, could realistically bring home a modest income compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem dental assistant pay in American Fork can range from $22 to $35 per hour for regular shifts, and even higher in specialized fields, where rates can reach up to $45 for skilled labor. Hourly wages also differ according to employer type; general dental practices may offer less competitive pay than specialized offices or dental schools, where unique benefits like health insurance might offset lower wages. It's advisable for dental assistants to weigh their hourly rate against the benefits offered, especially in practices like Heartland or Aspen, where job security and professional development opportunities can be significant. Those entering the workforce should also leverage their certifications from DANB or training from ADAA, which may provide an edge when negotiating pay in American Fork's evolving dental market.
More salary data for American Fork, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in American Fork in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in American Fork?
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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 American Fork. 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 American Fork 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