Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Woodbridge, VA: $21.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Woodbridge, VA runs $21.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,422 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Woodbridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,250 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Woodbridge, VA, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $21.83 in 2026, which is approximately 8.38% lower than the national median of $23.84. This hourly pay offers flexibility for part-time workers who typically might work three days a week, enabling them to still secure a steady income while balancing other commitments. For per-diem dental assistants, who often work in various settings including general dentistry operatory, pediatric exam rooms, or orthodontic chair rows, the hourly rates can fluctuate. Entry-level dental assistants earn about $18.05 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $28.39. These figures highlight the diverse compensation landscape for dental assistant hourly pay in Woodbridge, where hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary data.
About the Woodbridge 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) | $18.05 | $144.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.77 | $166.18 |
| Median (P50) | $21.83 | $174.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.38 | $203.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.39 | $227.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woodbridge
Based on $21.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.83/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woodbridge, VA can expect to earn approximately $45,416 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,202. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Woodbridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woodbridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $873.39 | $3,785 | $45,416 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $524.03 | $2,271 | $27,250 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $349.36 | $1,514 | $18,167 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Woodbridge) | $21.83 |
| 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 Woodbridge, VA earn a median of $45,422 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.38% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.90% below the Virginia state average of $47,265.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.83/hr = $27,250/year (purchasing power: $26,405).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,416/year (purchasing power: $44,008).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Woodbridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Woodbridge grew 19.9% from $17.65/hr (2019) to $21.17/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.52/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 Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge
For those considering part-time employment in dental assisting, working around 24 hours a week could yield an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts, though it offers the flexibility some value. Per-diem or locum dental assistants often see varying pay rates, with typical billing ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, while those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics may earn between $28 and $45 per hour. In Woodbridge, hourly rates can differ based on employer type, such as general dental practices, pediatric specialties, or orthodontic offices, with many practices associated with larger DSO chains benefiting from standardized pay scales. While some dental assistants may choose lower hourly rates to access health benefits, others prioritize higher wages at the expense of benefits. This decision-making requires thoughtful negotiation; for instance, articulating your value to potential employers can help secure favorable hourly rates reflective of your skills and experience.
More salary data for Woodbridge, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Woodbridge in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Woodbridge?
Are dental assistants in Woodbridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Woodbridge?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Woodbridge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Woodbridge. 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 Woodbridge 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