Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Centreville, VA: $22.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Centreville, VA runs $22.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,976 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Centreville's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,189 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Centreville, Virginia, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $22.59 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $23.84 per hour. This hourly rate offers part-time workers, particularly those serving in roles typical of general dentistry and specialty clinics, a viable income stream. For those working an average of three days a week, this translates to significant earnings, especially when considering expected hourly pay ranges from $16.78 for entry-level positions to as high as $30.04 for experienced professionals. Dental assistants often find themselves in varied clinical environments such as pediatric offices, orthodontic chair rows, and oral surgery suites, where the demand for skilled labor is consistent, thereby influencing hourly rates based on experience and the complexity of the procedures they assist with.
About the Centreville Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.78 | $134.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.02 | $168.16 |
| Median (P50) | $22.59 | $180.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.87 | $222.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.04 | $240.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Centreville
Based on $22.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.59/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Centreville, VA can expect to earn approximately $46,982 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,105. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Centreville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Centreville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $903.51 | $3,915 | $46,982 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $542.10 | $2,349 | $28,189 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $361.40 | $1,566 | $18,793 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Centreville) | $22.59 |
| 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 Centreville, VA earn a median of $46,976 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.25% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.60% below the Virginia state average of $47,260.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.59/hr = $28,189/year (purchasing power: $27,315).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,982/year (purchasing power: $45,526).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Centreville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Centreville grew 19.9% from $18.26/hr (2019) to $21.90/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.30/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 Centreville 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 Centreville
For part-time dental assistants, annual earnings can vary significantly compared to their full-time counterparts. A dental assistant working only three days a week (approximately 24 hours) might bring home around $27,094 annually, which illustrates the earning potential relative to full-time roles while highlighting the flexibility that part-time positions afford. Furthermore, per diem dental assistants in Centreville can expect to see a range of $22 to $35 per hour, depending on their specialty, with some orthodontic and oral surgery roles offering rates between $28 and $45 per hour. Employment type significantly influences pay, with general practices typically offering lower hourly rates compared to specialized practices. Many dental assistants face the choice between higher hourly wages and the security of benefits like health insurance that often accompany full-time positions. Practical negotiation strategies are essential for success, particularly for hourly workers navigating job offers from various employers, including DSO chains like Heartland and Pacific Dental, which have standardized pay scales that may affect individual negotiations.
More salary data for Centreville, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Centreville in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Centreville?
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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 Centreville. 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 Centreville 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