Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Payson, UT: $17.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Payson, UT runs $17.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,433 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Payson's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $17.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,264 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for dental assistants in Payson, Utah, is projected to be $17.04, significantly below the national median of $23.84. This disparity can influence those seeking part-time positions or per-diem opportunities in various dental settings such as general dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery. With Payson's entry-level hourly rate starting at $13.32 and top earners potentially making $20.12, those working part-time (around three days a week) may find the earnings relatively accessible, whether they're employed in pediatric dental offices or assisting at local dental clinics. This hourly data is grounded in comprehensive salary estimates, highlighting the factors shaping pay for dental assistants in the region.
About the Payson 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) | $13.32 | $106.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.63 | $133.01 |
| Median (P50) | $17.04 | $136.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.65 | $157.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.12 | $160.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Payson
Based on $17.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.04/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Payson, UT can expect to earn approximately $35,441 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,446. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Payson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Payson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $681.55 | $2,953 | $35,441 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $408.93 | $1,772 | $21,264 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $272.62 | $1,181 | $14,176 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Payson) | $17.04 |
| 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 Payson, UT earn a median of $35,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.53% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.10% below the Utah state average of $37,735.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.04/hr = $21,264/year (purchasing power: $21,676).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,441/year (purchasing power: $36,127).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Payson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Payson grew 19.9% from $13.77/hr (2019) to $16.52/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.57/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 Payson 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 Payson
For those considering a more flexible work arrangement, such as per-diem or agency roles, dental assistants in Payson can see substantial differences in earnings. Typically, per-diem dental assistant pay in Payson can range from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized roles—especially in oral surgery and orthodontics—affording even higher rates of $28 to $45 per hour. Amid the consolidation of dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen, which often standardize wages across locations, the opportunity for full-time dental assistants to negotiate for better pay increases. Employees working in larger dental practices or specialty offices might sacrifice higher hourly wages for benefits like healthcare, which is a significant trade-off for many in the field. As the hiring landscape evolves, dental assistants can adopt strategic negotiation approaches when discussing pay with employers—especially emphasizing their certified skills and any expanded function credentials they may hold under state regulations.
More salary data for Payson, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Payson in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Payson?
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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 Payson. 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 Payson 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