Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Roanoke, VA: $22.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Roanoke, VA runs $22.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,588 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Roanoke's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,958 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Roanoke, Virginia, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $22.40, which is somewhat below the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate reflects the local market for dental assistants, making it an attractive entry point for those considering careers in various settings, including general dentistry, pediatric offices, and surgery suites. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, this translates into a stable income while allowing flexibility in their schedules. The hourly range in Roanoke varies significantly, starting from roughly $17.92 for entry-level positions, up to $27.80 for experienced professionals and top earners in specialized fields, indicating strong potential for growth within the profession as skills and experience increase. These figures are drawn from data projected for 2026, offering valuable insights for both current workers and those entering the field.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.92 | $143.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.25 | $145.96 |
| Median (P50) | $22.40 | $179.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.59 | $188.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.80 | $222.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Roanoke
Based on $22.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.40/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Roanoke, VA can expect to earn approximately $46,596 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,882. With a cost-of-living index of 93.62 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Roanoke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Roanoke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $896.08 | $3,883 | $46,596 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $537.65 | $2,330 | $27,958 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $358.43 | $1,553 | $18,638 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Roanoke) | $22.40 |
| 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 Roanoke, VA earn a median of $46,588 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.03% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.40% below the Virginia state average of $47,250.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.40/hr = $27,958/year (purchasing power: $29,864).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,596/year (purchasing power: $49,773).
CoL index: 93.618 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Roanoke grew 16.7% from $18.61/hr (2019) to $21.72/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.11/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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke
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Considering part-time opportunities, a dental assistant working a typical 24-hour week would earn a net annual income that is substantially lower than a full-time position, emphasizing a need for careful budget management. Per diem dental assistant pay in Roanoke ranges between $22 to $35 per hour, with specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding rates as high as $28 to $45 per hour. Additionally, staffing agencies like Cloud Dentistry and GoTu facilitate connections for temporary shifts, making flexible work available to skilled assistants. Hourly wages can vary depending on the type of employer, whether in general practices, pediatric offices, or larger dental service organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland and Pacific Dental, which often provide standardized pay scales. While some dental assistants may accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits, others might seek positions that offer higher rates without insurance. Gaining insights into local norms and negotiating effectively can make a significant difference in securing better hourly compensation in Roanoke’s competitive market.
More salary data for Roanoke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Roanoke in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Roanoke?
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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 Roanoke. 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