Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Danville, VA: $22.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Danville, VA runs $22.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,195 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Danville's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,713 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Danville, Virginia, the projected median hourly pay for dental assistants is $22.21, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $23.84. This hourly wage offers flexible earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers who might typically operate in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric dental clinics, or oral surgery rooms. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $17.14 per hour, while top earners in the profession can make up to $27.39 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting both the demand for skilled dental assistants and the overall job market in the area.
About the Danville 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) | $17.14 | $137.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.24 | $161.89 |
| Median (P50) | $22.21 | $177.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.29 | $210.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.39 | $219.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Danville
Based on $22.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.21/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Danville, VA can expect to earn approximately $46,189 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,647. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Danville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Danville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $888.24 | $3,849 | $46,189 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $532.95 | $2,309 | $27,713 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $355.30 | $1,540 | $18,475 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Danville) | $22.21 |
| 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 Danville, VA earn a median of $46,195 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.83% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $47,235.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.21/hr = $27,713/year (purchasing power: $26,854).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,189/year (purchasing power: $44,756).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Danville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Danville grew 19.9% from $17.95/hr (2019) to $21.53/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.90/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 Danville 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 Danville
When analyzing the financial landscape for dental assistants in Danville, part-time workers who choose a 3-day work week could earn a comfortable income, bringing home significantly less than their full-time counterparts yet gaining time flexibility. Per diem dental assistants have the advantage of being able to set their schedules and typically charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialty services such as oral surgery or orthodontics commanding even higher rates at $28 to $45 per hour. In Danville, hourly pay can vary widely depending on the type of employer, whether it’s a small solo practice or a large multi-location dental support organization like Heartland or Aspen. While some dental assistants may opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher wages over benefits. Those negotiating hourly pay in Danville can enhance their position by emphasizing their skill sets, certifications such as DANB CDA or EFDA, and their adaptability to varying practice environments.
More salary data for Danville, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Danville. 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 Danville 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