Dental Assistant Salary in Chino, CA: $53,509 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Chino, CA earns a median $53,509/year (≈ $25.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Chino's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $47,311 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chino, California, the dental assistant salary is shaped by both the structure of employment and the increasing influence of dental service organizations (DSOs). For 2026, projections show a median annual salary of $53,509, which is notably higher than the national median of $49,579. Chino's dental assistants can expect salaries to range from $41,157 at the lower end (P10) to $67,516 for those in higher-paying positions (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living indices, reflect the ongoing trend of standardized pay scales in larger DSOs—such as Heartland and Aspen—compared to the flexibility often offered by solo practices. Consequently, dental assistants in this area may find varying pay opportunities depending on their workplace structure.
About the Chino Market
Salary estimated from California average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,157 | $19.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,867 | $23.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,509 | $25.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,956 | $30.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,516 | $32.46 |
Median Salary Position
7.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chino
In Chino, CA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,359 (2026 est.). At $53,509, the local median is 7.93% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chino: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chino Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Chino median: $53,509/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chino Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $52,927 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +7.93% more |
Dental Assistants in Chino, CA earn a median of $53,509 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.93% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.10% above the California state average of $52,927.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chino has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chino, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $53,509 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,311 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$43,257
2025 BLS Actual
$51,880
2026 Current Est.
$53,509
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Chino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,257 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,444 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,724 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,372 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,229 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,752 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,509 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,189 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chino metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $43,257 (2019) to $51,880 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,189 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,932 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chino 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) | $41,157 – $48,867 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,867 – $53,509 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,509 – $63,956 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,956 – $67,516 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Chino
Exploring the local job market reveals that Chino employs about 17 dental assistants, and the cost-of-living index of 113.1 indicates that living expenses are above the national average. This situation can impact take-home pay, with the purchasing power of Chino's dental assistants affected by the local economic landscape. Large DSO chains typically offer the most competitive salaries, particularly for specialized roles like orthodontics and oral surgery. The pay discrepancy between specialties and positions in Chino can stem from various factors, including expanded function duties, hybrid roles such as treatment coordinators, and the distinct pay structures employed by individual DSOs. To maximize their earning potential, dental assistants should consider pursuing additional qualifications, such as obtaining an EFDA credential or seeking mentorship roles within their practices. This approach not only enhances skills but can also lead to higher compensation in this competitive market.
More salary data for Chino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Chino, CA in 2026?
Is Chino, CA a good place to work as a dental assistant?
Can dental assistants make $100K in Chino?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental assistant salary in Chino?
How much does a dental assistant make per hour in Chino?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $51,880 for dental assistantsin the Chino 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 Chino 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