Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Staunton, VA: $22.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Staunton, VA runs $22.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,248 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Staunton's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.1, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,357 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Staunton, Virginia, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $22.72, slightly below the national median of $23.84. This pay reflects the local economic conditions and the demand for dental professionals in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic chair rows. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, the earnings become substantial despite fewer hours, while per-diem workers can find flexible employment opportunities in diverse specialties, billing anywhere from $18.00 to $28.15 an hour. The range from entry-level positions to top earners in the field illustrates the room for career growth and financial potential within this vital occupation, with official BLS data providing these insights for 2026.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.00 | $143.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.57 | $148.52 |
| Median (P50) | $22.72 | $181.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.83 | $190.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.15 | $225.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Staunton
Based on $22.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.72/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Staunton, VA can expect to earn approximately $47,261 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,266. With a cost-of-living index of 91.13 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Staunton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Staunton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $908.87 | $3,938 | $47,261 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $545.32 | $2,363 | $28,357 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $363.55 | $1,575 | $18,904 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Staunton) | $22.72 |
| 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 Staunton, VA earn a median of $47,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.70% lower than the national median of $49,579.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.72/hr = $28,357/year (purchasing power: $31,117).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,261/year (purchasing power: $51,862).
CoL index: 91.128 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Staunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Staunton grew 8.4% from $20.32/hr (2019) to $22.03/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.44/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 Staunton 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 Staunton
Evaluating the financial landscape, a dental assistant in Staunton working part-time, for instance, might earn around $29,000 annually, a significant difference compared to a full-time employee's income. The per diem dental assistant pay in Staunton can vary widely depending on the chosen specialty; while general positions may pay between $22 to $35 per hour, specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics could yield rates as high as $28 to $45 per hour. Employers such as general dental practices, pediatric offices, and expanding DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen Dental typically offer differing hourly rates based on the practice type, benefits, and stability. As the job market evolves, potential employees should balance the benefits of health insurance with hourly wages, often negotiating pay based on expertise, certifications, and regional demand. For those entering the workforce, local agencies connecting dental assistants to temporary roles can provide valuable experience, meeting both personal and professional goals in the Staunton area.
More salary data for Staunton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Staunton in 2026?
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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 Staunton. 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