Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Colchester, VT: $22.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Colchester, VT runs $22.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,500 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Colchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,498 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The dental assistant hourly pay in Colchester, VT, stands at $22.84 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate reflects the competitive yet accessible nature of the dental assistance profession in the region. For those working part-time—say three days a week—this pay structure means they can expect an income that supports their living expenses while allowing for flexible scheduling. Per-diem opportunities also exist within various dental settings, which include general dentistry, pediatric care, orthodontics, oral surgery, and even dental school clinics. The hourly pay range in Colchester spans from $19.13 for entry-level positions to $28.50 for more experienced dental assistants, showcasing the potential for growth as one gains expertise in specialized fields.
About the Colchester Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.13 | $153.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.89 | $175.09 |
| Median (P50) | $22.84 | $182.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.29 | $218.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.50 | $227.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Colchester
Based on $22.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.84/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Colchester, VT can expect to earn approximately $47,497 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,402. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Colchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Colchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $913.41 | $3,958 | $47,497 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $548.04 | $2,375 | $28,498 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.36 | $1,583 | $18,999 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Colchester) | $22.84 |
| 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 Colchester, VT earn a median of $47,500 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.19% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.40% below the Vermont state average of $51,296.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.84/hr = $28,498/year (purchasing power: $27,535).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,497/year (purchasing power: $45,891).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Colchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Colchester grew 19.9% from $18.46/hr (2019) to $22.14/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.55/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 Colchester 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 Colchester
For a part-time dental assistant working 24 hours a week, annual take-home earnings could approximate $28,323, considerably lower than if one were to work full-time. In the realm of per-diem or agency work, dental assistants often bill between $22 and $35 per hour, with those in specialized settings such as oral surgery or orthodontics seeing rates that rise to $28-$45 per hour. Various employer types also contribute to pay variations; while general practices often offer the base rate, specialists or dental school clinics may pay more. Given the industry trend towards corporate chains like Heartland and Aspen, there's a shift in hiring practices with standardized pay scales across locations. This can lead to a trade-off between hourly rates and provided benefits, such as health insurance. Negotiating for higher pay can be essential for those without benefits, particularly in a growing field like dental assisting in Colchester, where ongoing education and credentialing through organizations like DANB can further enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Colchester, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Colchester in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Colchester?
Are dental assistants in Colchester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Colchester?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Colchester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Vermont
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 Colchester. 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 Colchester 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