Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Rutland, VT: $22.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Rutland, VT runs $22.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,555 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Rutland's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,537 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rutland, Vermont, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $22.87 in 2026, slightly below the national average of $23.84. This hourly rate creates opportunities for those working part-time, such as those opting for a three-day workweek, where earnings can be more flexible. With a range from $19.30 at the entry-level to as high as $27.80 for more experienced professionals, dental assistants in various settings—including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialty practices—can find remuneration that reflects their skills and the complexity of the tasks they manage. The figures presented are derived from annual salary estimates, allowing for a clearer picture of what dental assistants might expect as they navigate their roles in Rutland's dental care landscape.
About the Rutland 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) | $19.30 | $154.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.95 | $175.59 |
| Median (P50) | $22.87 | $182.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.87 | $214.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.80 | $222.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rutland
Based on $22.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.87/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rutland, VT can expect to earn approximately $47,562 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,439. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rutland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rutland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $914.65 | $3,963 | $47,562 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $548.79 | $2,378 | $28,537 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.86 | $1,585 | $19,025 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Rutland) | $22.87 |
| 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 Rutland, VT earn a median of $47,555 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.08% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.30% below the Vermont state average of $51,300.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.87/hr = $28,537/year (purchasing power: $27,572).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,562/year (purchasing power: $45,953).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Rutland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Rutland grew 19.9% from $18.48/hr (2019) to $22.17/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.58/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 Rutland 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 Rutland
For part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week, the annual earnings could sum up to around $28,371, compared to that of full-time employees. Many dental assistants find themselves in per diem or agency roles, drawing between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialties such as oral surgery even commanding rates of $28 to $45 per hour. The differences in compensation can also result from the type of employer; general practices may offer varied pay compared to specialized offices. Often, dental assistants consider the balance between hourly pay and benefits, choosing jobs that provide health insurance over those that might pay more but lack such perks. Understanding the current job market trends and negotiation strategies is crucial for those seeking to improve their dental assistant hourly rate in Rutland. Building a network can also help in securing better opportunities through specialized agencies, enhancing both earnings and career progression.
More salary data for Rutland, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Rutland in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Rutland?
Are dental assistants in Rutland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Rutland?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Rutland?
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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 Rutland. 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 Rutland 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