Dental Assistant Salary in Pelham, AL: $36,473 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Pelham, AL earns a median $36,473/year (≈ $17.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Pelham's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $41,494 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for dental assistants in Pelham, Alabama, is estimated to be $36,473. This figure reflects a competitive local job market, particularly influenced by the state's expanded function authority (EFDA) rules, which allow dental assistants to perform a wider range of tasks, typically leading to higher pay compared to states with more restrictive practices. The salary range for dental assistants varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $30,658 and experienced professionals making up to $44,116 annually. These estimates, grounded in 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional factors, indicate that Pelham's dental assistant pay system is somewhat below the national median of $49,579, positioning it as an appealing option for those entering the field without sacrificing career advancement opportunities.
About the Pelham Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,658 | $14.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,919 | $16.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,473 | $17.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,824 | $20.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44,116 | $21.21 |
Median Salary Position
26.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pelham
In Pelham, AL, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,458 (2026 est.). At $36,473, the local median is 26.43% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pelham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pelham Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Pelham median: $36,473/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pelham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $39,431 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -26.43% less |
Dental Assistants in Pelham, AL earn a median of $36,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.43% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $39,431.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pelham has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pelham, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $36,473 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,494 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,485
2025 BLS Actual
$35,363
2026 Current Est.
$36,473
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,485 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,294 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,972 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,237 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,263 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,363 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,473 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,619 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pelham metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $29,485 (2019) to $35,363 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $37,619 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,134 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pelham 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $30,658 – $34,919 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,919 – $36,473 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,473 – $42,824 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,824 – $44,116 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Pelham
Breaking down Pelham's dental assistant job market reveals both challenges and advantages. With only four dental assistants employed in the area, the demand and competition for qualified professionals remain relatively low, which can limit job options. Nonetheless, the cost of living index sits at 87.9, indicating a lower local cost of living that enhances purchasing power for dental assistants. Employers in Pelham, such as pediatric and orthodontic practices, generally offer higher compensation compared to general dental offices. Factors contributing to the pay scale include the specific dental specialty, the extent of the EFDA's scope, and additional responsibilities, like a treatment coordinator role or mentorship obligations. Crafting a competitive edge in this market involves acquiring EFDA credentials, pursuing opportunities with DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, and actively seeking roles that align with growth and leadership in the dental field.
More salary data for Pelham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $35,363 for dental assistantsin the Pelham metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pelham 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