Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Essex Junction, VT: $23.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Essex Junction, VT runs $23.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,511 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Essex Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,103 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Essex Junction, Vermont, the dental assistant hourly pay reflects a median rate of $23.32 for 2026, which positions it slightly lower than the national median of $23.84 per hour. This hourly wage has significant implications for those working part-time or in per-diem positions. For example, a dental assistant working three days a week would earn around $1,120 weekly (based on full-time equivalents), making part-time work a viable option for many professionals in settings such as general dentistry, pediatric clinics, and oral surgery facilities. The hourly rate range spans from $18.49 for entry-level positions up to $29.23 for the most experienced practitioners, showcasing the diverse earning potential across the profession within the community.
About the Essex Junction 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) | $18.49 | $147.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.43 | $179.46 |
| Median (P50) | $23.32 | $186.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.94 | $223.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.23 | $233.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Essex Junction
Based on $23.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.32/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Essex Junction, VT can expect to earn approximately $48,506 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,984. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Essex Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Essex Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $932.80 | $4,042 | $48,506 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $559.68 | $2,425 | $29,103 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.12 | $1,617 | $19,402 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Essex Junction) | $23.32 |
| 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 Essex Junction, VT earn a median of $48,511 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.15% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.50% below the Vermont state average of $51,334.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.32/hr = $29,103/year (purchasing power: $28,119).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,506/year (purchasing power: $46,865).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Essex Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Essex Junction grew 19.9% from $18.85/hr (2019) to $22.61/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.05/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 Essex Junction 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 Essex Junction
Part-time dental assistants in Essex Junction can earn a decent income while enjoying a flexible work-life balance. Working 24 hours a week at the median rate would correlate to about $58,355 annually, markedly lower than a full-time position but still competitive for part-time work. Per diem opportunities further enhance earning potential, with rates typically ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, and specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics may yield even higher pay rates from $28 to $45 per hour. Variability in hourly wages per employer type across Essex Junction underscores the importance of understanding how practices like solo or group general dental offices, specialty orthodontic clinics, or larger DSO chains can affect overall pay. Some dental assistants choose lower hourly compensation for the benefits that full-time employment offers, such as health insurance. For those looking to negotiate their hourly rates, demonstrating certifications, such as DANB credentials or expanded function training, can be effective strategies to secure higher wages, particularly as the DSO landscape continues to shape hiring practices in the area.
More salary data for Essex Junction, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Essex Junction in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Essex Junction?
Are dental assistants in Essex Junction 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 Essex Junction. 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 Essex Junction 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