Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Provo, UT: $18.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Provo, UT runs $18.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,729 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Provo's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,642 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Provo, Utah, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $18.14 in 2026. This rate is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $23.84, highlighting the distinctive pay scale within the region. For those considering part-time work, like a schedule of three days a week, this translates to about $800 a week which can provide a reliable income for personal expenses or further education. Per-diem roles, which are common in dynamic settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, or orthodontic practices, showcase a broad hourly pay range; entry-level dental assistants can expect around $17.66, while those with more experience may earn as much as $22.94, reflecting their skill levels and responsibilities. This data is derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.66 | $141.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.85 | $142.83 |
| Median (P50) | $18.14 | $145.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.94 | $175.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.94 | $183.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Provo
Based on $18.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.14/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Provo, UT can expect to earn approximately $37,736 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,771. With a cost-of-living index of 98.23 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Provo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Provo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $725.69 | $3,145 | $37,736 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $435.42 | $1,887 | $22,642 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $290.28 | $1,258 | $15,094 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Provo) | $18.14 |
| 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 Provo, UT earn a median of $37,729 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.90% lower than the national median of $49,579.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.14/hr = $22,642/year (purchasing power: $23,049).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,736/year (purchasing power: $38,415).
CoL index: 98.232 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Provo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Provo grew 25.3% from $14.04/hr (2019) to $17.59/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.71/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 Provo 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 Provo
Part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $37,900 annually, which is notably less than those in full-time employment, who might enjoy more comprehensive benefits and income stability. Per diem dental assistant pay in Provo varies widely, with some receiving between $22 and $35 hourly, especially in specialized roles such as oral surgery or orthodontics, where rates can spike up to $28-$45 per hour. The hourly compensation can also differ based on the type of dental practice; general practices, specialized offices, and dental schools offer varied pay structures. Dental assistants working in larger dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen may find more standardized pay rates, but may have to sacrifice flexibility for benefits. Understanding the trade-offs between hourly earnings and benefits is vital for many workers; some accept lower pay in exchange for health insurance and other perks. Effective negotiation is key in securing a better hourly rate, so it’s wise for dental assistants to research and understand their market value in Provo.
More salary data for Provo, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Provo. 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