Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Fredericksburg, VA: $22.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Fredericksburg, VA runs $22.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,997 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Fredericksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,597 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Fredericksburg, Virginia, earn a median hourly pay of $22.11, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. For professionals working part-time, like those picking up shifts three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a solid income that can help balance work and life, especially in settings such as general dentistry offices or pediatric exam rooms. The hourly pay ranges from $16.91 for entry-level positions to about $28.51 for highly experienced assistants in specialized environments like oral surgery or orthodontic offices. These figures reflect the earnings potential derived from estimated annual salary data, indicating that the job can offer flexible options for both full-time and part-time workers in the Fredericksburg area.
About the Fredericksburg 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) | $16.91 | $135.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.38 | $171.05 |
| Median (P50) | $22.11 | $176.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.86 | $214.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.51 | $228.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fredericksburg
Based on $22.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.11/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fredericksburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $45,995 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,536. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fredericksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fredericksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $884.53 | $3,833 | $45,995 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $530.72 | $2,300 | $27,597 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $353.81 | $1,533 | $18,398 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Fredericksburg) | $22.11 |
| 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 Fredericksburg, VA earn a median of $45,997 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.22% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.60% below the Virginia state average of $47,225.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.11/hr = $27,597/year (purchasing power: $26,742).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,995/year (purchasing power: $44,569).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Fredericksburg grew 19.9% from $17.88/hr (2019) to $21.44/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.81/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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
Exploring the earning potential for part-time dental assistants reveals that those working 24 hours a week could expect to take home an annual income of approximately $27,743, a significant difference when compared to full-timers. For those interested in a more flexible per-diem arrangement, hourly pay rates often range from $22 to $35, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding rates from $28 to $45. Employment types affect hourly compensation, with general dental practices generally offering lower pay than specialized offices in Fredericksburg. While some dental assistants may accept lower pay in exchange for health benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly rates without health insurance. Understanding local market dynamics is essential; negotiating a competitive rate also involves highlighting skills and any specialized training, such as DANB certification or expanded function authority, which can further enhance earnings. This contextual insight into dental assistant hourly pay in Fredericksburg reflects not only the economic trends but also the evolving nature of dental assistant roles.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Fredericksburg in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Fredericksburg?
Are dental assistants in Fredericksburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Fredericksburg?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fredericksburg?
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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 Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg 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