Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Murray, UT: $19.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Murray, UT runs $19.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,700 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,826 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murray, Utah, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $19.09, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.84. This rate shapes expectations for part-time and per-diem workers in diverse settings including general dentistry offices, orthodontic practices, and dental schools. For a part-time dental assistant working three days a week, the hourly pay can dramatically influence overall financial security. The hourly range for these professionals in the area spans from $14.18 for entry-level positions (10th percentile) to $25.38 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). Keep in mind that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary data projected by BLS estimates, providing a snapshot of potential earnings and level of reliance on their training and certifications.
About the Murray 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) | $14.18 | $113.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.04 | $136.31 |
| Median (P50) | $19.09 | $152.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.55 | $188.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.38 | $203.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $19.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.09/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, UT can expect to earn approximately $39,710 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,909. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $763.65 | $3,309 | $39,710 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $458.19 | $1,985 | $23,826 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $305.46 | $1,324 | $15,884 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Murray) | $19.09 |
| 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 Murray, UT earn a median of $39,700 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.93% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.20% above the Utah state average of $37,737.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.09/hr = $23,826/year (purchasing power: $24,287).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,710/year (purchasing power: $40,479).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Murray grew 19.9% from $15.43/hr (2019) to $18.51/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.69/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 Murray 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 Murray
Part-time dental assistants in Murray can expect to earn significantly fewer annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. For example, a part-time dental assistant working 24 hours a week can realistically take home around $24,016 per year, while those choosing full-time positions see a more substantial annual income. Additionally, per diem dental assistant pay in Murray can vary widely, with rates reaching up to $35 per hour for general practices, and even higher in specialty settings, such as orthodontic or oral surgery, with rates as high as $45 per hour. The type of employer also influences wages; larger dental support organizations (DSOs) often standardize wages while smaller private practices may offer competitive rates to attract skilled staff. This variability means some dental assistants in the area may opt for the stability of lower hourly wages if it includes benefits such as health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiation strategies can play a crucial role; it helps to understand the wage trends in Murray, leveraging any specialized certifications or state-specific expanded function training to secure the best possible rate in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Murray, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Murray in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Murray?
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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 Murray. 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 Murray 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