Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $23.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Norfolk, VA runs $23.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,853 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,309 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Norfolk, Virginia can expect a median hourly pay of $23.48, which falls slightly below the national median of $23.84. This rate reflects a solid wage for those working in various settings, including general dentistry operatories and pediatric dental environments. For professionals working part-time at three days a week, this translates to a stable income while maintaining flexibility, appealing for those balancing multiple commitments. The typical hourly pay range in Norfolk spans from $16.90 at entry-level positions to about $31.77 for top earners, providing a spectrum that captures differing levels of experience and specialization within the dental assisting profession. It's crucial to understand that these figures are estimates based on projected annual salaries, helping aspiring dental assistants gauge their potential earnings in this dynamic field.
About the Norfolk 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) | $16.90 | $135.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.75 | $166.01 |
| Median (P50) | $23.48 | $187.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.09 | $232.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.77 | $254.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $23.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.48/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $48,849 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,182. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $939.40 | $4,071 | $48,849 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.64 | $2,442 | $29,309 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.76 | $1,628 | $19,540 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Norfolk) | $23.48 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $48,853 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.46% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.40% above the Virginia state average of $47,247.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.48/hr = $29,309/year (purchasing power: $28,400).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,849/year (purchasing power: $47,334).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Norfolk grew 19.9% from $18.99/hr (2019) to $22.77/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.22/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
Exploring the earnings landscape for dental assistants reveals interesting nuances in Norfolk, particularly for those considering part-time positions. A dental assistant working three days a week can expect to take home approximately $36,662 annually, significantly lower than the income of a full-time peer. Per-diem work options also provide flexibility to this workforce. Many per diem dental assistants in the region bill between $22 and $35 per hour, with those in specialized oral surgery or orthodontics commanding $28 to $45 per hour. Various employment venues influence pay; general dental practices tend to offer lower hourly rates in comparison to specialty offices, depending on their patient demographic and service offerings. Additionally, some dental assistants may accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, depending on their personal financial situation. It is wise to be well-prepared for salary negotiations; presenting data and understanding local pay trends can greatly enhance one's leverage in these discussions.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Norfolk?
Are dental assistants in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Norfolk?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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