Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Charlottesville, VA: $22.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Charlottesville, VA runs $22.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,454 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Charlottesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.1, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,868 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charlottesville, Virginia, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $22.33 for 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This rate provides an insightful backdrop for individuals considering part-time roles or per-diem work. For those working a typical three-day week, which amounts to around 24 hours, this hourly earning translates into a practical income that can support a flexible lifestyle. Dental assistants in various settings—ranging from general dentistry operatories to specialized pediatric and orthodontic practices—can expect to earn from $18.65 at entry-level positions up to $28.77 for those at the top end of the pay scale. The hourly range reflects the diverse responsibilities and skill levels required across different environments within the dental field.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.65 | $149.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.36 | $154.88 |
| Median (P50) | $22.33 | $178.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.34 | $194.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.77 | $230.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charlottesville
Based on $22.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.33/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charlottesville, VA can expect to earn approximately $46,446 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,796. With a cost-of-living index of 99.15 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charlottesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charlottesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $893.19 | $3,871 | $46,446 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $535.92 | $2,322 | $27,868 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $357.28 | $1,548 | $18,578 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Charlottesville) | $22.33 |
| 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 Charlottesville, VA earn a median of $46,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.30% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $47,258.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.33/hr = $27,868/year (purchasing power: $28,108).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,446/year (purchasing power: $46,846).
CoL index: 99.146 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Charlottesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Charlottesville grew 22.5% from $17.68/hr (2019) to $21.65/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.03/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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville
Shifting the focus to part-time earning potential, a dental assistant working just 24 hours weekly might take home about $27,750 per year, which illustrates how less time spent working can lead to a significant income disparity when compared to full-time positions. For those opting for per diem roles, compensation can vary widely, with common rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, and specialized roles such as oral surgery or orthodontics potentially commanding $28 to $45 hourly. Within Charlottesville, hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the type of employer; private practices, dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen, and specialty offices all offer different compensation structures. Additionally, some dental assistants may choose a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits, such as health insurance, while others might prefer higher pay without benefits. Negotiating carefully can make a significant difference; it's crucial for dental assistants in VA to research regional pay trends and highlight their unique skills to secure the best possible terms.
More salary data for Charlottesville, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Charlottesville in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Charlottesville?
Are dental assistants in Charlottesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Charlottesville?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Charlottesville?
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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 Charlottesville. 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