Dental Assistant Salary in Brea, CA: $50,211 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Brea, CA earns a median $50,211/year (≈ $24.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Brea's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $44,395 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brea, California, dental assistants are projected to earn a median annual salary of $50,211 in 2026, reflecting a 1.27% increase over the national median of $49,579. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $40,377 and more experienced assistants earning up to $63,893. This range indicates a competitive compensation landscape influenced by the presence of both solo practices and larger dental service organizations (DSOs), which often have established pay scales. The nuances of salary distribution in a city like Brea are essential for prospective dental assistants, especially as the industry shifts toward the DSO model that emphasizes standardized training and retraining opportunities.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,377 | $19.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,974 | $22.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,211 | $24.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,593 | $29.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,893 | $30.72 |
Median Salary Position
1.27% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brea
In Brea, CA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,516 (2026 est.). At $50,211, the local median is 1.27% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brea Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Brea median: $50,211/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $52,909 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +1.27% more |
Dental Assistants in Brea, CA earn a median of $50,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.27% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 5.10% below the California state average of $52,909.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brea has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brea, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,211 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,395 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,590
2025 BLS Actual
$48,682
2026 Current Est.
$50,211
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,704 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,152 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,391 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,133 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,946 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,682 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,211 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,787 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brea metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $40,590 (2019) to $48,682 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,787 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,197 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea 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) | $40,377 – $46,974 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,974 – $50,211 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,211 – $60,593 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,593 – $63,893 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Brea
The job market for dental assistants in Brea comprises approximately 10 employed professionals, highlighting a focused yet potentially saturated field. With a cost of living index of 113.1, which is higher than the national average, it becomes crucial for dental assistants to consider how their salaries translate into take-home purchasing power. Employers in Brea, ranging from general dentistry to specialty practices such as oral surgery or orthodontics, can significantly influence earning potential. For example, practices affiliated with major chains like Heartland and Aspen may provide structured pay scales and additional benefits, while specialty roles, particularly in orthodontics or surgery, tend to offer higher compensation. Dental assistants looking to maximize their income may benefit from pursuing expanded function credentials, allowing them to perform more procedures, or exploring hybrid roles, such as treatment coordinators, that combine clinical and administrative responsibilities. Understanding these dynamics can equip dental assistants in Brea, CA, with strategies to optimize their career paths and earnings.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
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 $48,682 for dental assistantsin the Brea 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 Brea 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