Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Burlington, VT: $28.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Burlington, VT runs $28.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,027 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,423 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Burlington, Vermont, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $28.38, significantly higher than the national median of $23.84. This competitive pay scale is particularly beneficial for those working part-time or as per-diem professionals. For example, a dental assistant working three days a week can still earn a decent income, given that entry-level positions start around $23.22 while more experienced practitioners can command up to $33.91 an hour. The diverse settings within the dental field, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and periodontal surgical suites, allow for a varied hourly pay structure, reflecting both the experience level and specialized nature of the work, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.22 | $185.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.02 | $200.17 |
| Median (P50) | $28.38 | $227.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.31 | $242.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.91 | $271.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $28.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.38/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, VT can expect to earn approximately $59,039 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,061. With a cost-of-living index of 100.95 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,135.37 | $4,920 | $59,039 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $681.22 | $2,952 | $35,423 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.15 | $1,968 | $23,616 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Burlington) | $28.38 |
| 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 Burlington, VT earn a median of $59,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.06% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 15.00% above the Vermont state average of $51,328.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.38/hr = $35,423/year (purchasing power: $35,090).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,039/year (purchasing power: $58,484).
CoL index: 100.949 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Burlington grew 21.4% from $22.66/hr (2019) to $27.52/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.28/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
When considering part-time work as a dental assistant, a three-day work week of 24 hours can yield around $35,000 annually. Per diem opportunities further extend earning potential; dental assistants can typically bill between $22-$35 an hour, and those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics may earn between $28-$45 per hour. Hourly rates fluctuate based on employer types, with dental assistants in general practices usually earning less than those in specialty offices or educational institutions. While higher hourly rates may be appealing, many dental assistants weigh this against the stability of benefits such as health insurance offered by larger organizations, driving some to accept lower rates. Ample negotiation tips are essential in Burlington; showcasing relevant certifications from DANB or expanded function authority can significantly enhance one’s bargaining power in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Burlington in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Burlington?
Are dental assistants in Burlington 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 Burlington. 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