Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Chesapeake, VA: $23.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Chesapeake, VA runs $23.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,322 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Chesapeake's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,987 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesapeake, Virginia, the dental assistant hourly pay averages around $23.23, slightly below the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This pay rate is particularly relevant for those considering part-time or per-diem positions, a common setup in settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric dental offices, and oral surgery clinics. For instance, a dental assistant working three days a week can expect to leverage this hourly rate for stable earnings, while the range of pay can vary significantly from $16.42 for entry-level professionals to as much as $32.37 for top earners. Estimated from annual salary figures, these hourly rates reflect the market dynamics specific to dental assistants in Chesapeake.
About the Chesapeake 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) | $16.42 | $131.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.59 | $172.70 |
| Median (P50) | $23.23 | $185.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.41 | $235.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.37 | $258.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chesapeake
Based on $23.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.23/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chesapeake, VA can expect to earn approximately $48,312 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,873. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chesapeake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chesapeake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $929.09 | $4,026 | $48,312 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $557.45 | $2,416 | $28,987 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.63 | $1,610 | $19,325 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Chesapeake) | $23.23 |
| 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 Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $48,322 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.54% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.30% above the Virginia state average of $47,236.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.23/hr = $28,987/year (purchasing power: $28,089).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,312/year (purchasing power: $46,814).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Chesapeake grew 19.9% from $18.78/hr (2019) to $22.52/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.96/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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake
Considering part-time dental assistants who work approximately 24 hours per week, their annual totals would differ markedly compared to full-time counterparts. While these professionals may earn a reliable wage, per-diem dental assistants often find themselves in a lucrative position, billing between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialist roles in oral surgery or orthodontics bringing in between $28 and $45 per hour. Generally, hourly wages can fluctuate depending on the type of practice—ranging from solo general practices to larger dental service organizations such as Heartland and Aspen. It's crucial for prospective dental assistants to weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against the stability and health benefits offered in some settings. When negotiating pay, candidates should focus on articulating the value of their skills and consider mentioning their board certification status with DANB or potential for expanded duties which might command higher compensation.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Chesapeake in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Chesapeake?
Are dental assistants in Chesapeake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Chesapeake?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Chesapeake?
Related Pages
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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 Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake 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