Dental Assistant Salary in Sunrise, FL: $46,530 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Sunrise, FL earns a median $46,530/year (≈ $22.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Sunrise's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $46,161 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $46,530 for dental assistants in Sunrise, Florida, the compensation appears slightly lower than the national median of $49,579. Analysts indicate a salary range of $36,407 at the 10th percentile to $59,782 at the 90th percentile, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data. Florida's regulations, which permit expanded function duties for dental assistants, tend to elevate pay levels compared to states with more restrictive policies. In Sunrise, the job market for dental assistants is developing, driven by the growth of dental service organizations (DSOs) that often offer structured pay scales and additional training opportunities.
About the Sunrise Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,407 | $17.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,064 | $20.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,530 | $22.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,150 | $26.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,782 | $28.75 |
Median Salary Position
6.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sunrise
In Sunrise, FL, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,375 (2026 est.). At $46,530, the local median is 6.15% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sunrise: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sunrise Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Sunrise median: $46,530/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sunrise Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $47,870 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -6.15% less |
Dental Assistants in Sunrise, FL earn a median of $46,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.15% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.80% below the Florida state average of $47,870.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sunrise has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sunrise, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,530 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,161 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,615
2025 BLS Actual
$45,113
2026 Current Est.
$46,530
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Sunrise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,615 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,647 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,282 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,063 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,677 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,113 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,530 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,991 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sunrise metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $37,615 (2019) to $45,113 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,991 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,376 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sunrise 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) | $36,407 – $43,064 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,064 – $46,530 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,530 – $56,150 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,150 – $59,782 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Sunrise
Considering the local dental assistant job market, there are currently 23 professionals employed in Sunrise, Florida. The cost of living index in the area is at 100.8, indicating a slight elevation in living expenses compared to the national average, which impacts overall purchasing power. Among local employers, those in specialty practices—particularly oral surgery and orthodontics—tend to offer higher compensation compared to general dental practices. Various factors contribute to the salary spread, such as specialization, state EFDA credentials, and the potential for varied roles like treatment coordinators. To maximize dental assistant pay in Sunrise, pursuing additional certifications, considering employment with DSOs that offer competitive wage tiers, or focusing on specialty practices can provide clear advantages for career advancement.
More salary data for Sunrise, FL:
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 $45,113 for dental assistantsin the Sunrise 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 Sunrise 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