Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Decatur, AL: $20.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Decatur, AL runs $20.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,710 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.2, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,023 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Decatur, Alabama, the projected median hourly pay for dental assistants in 2026 is $20.05, which is significantly lower than the national median of $23.84. This disparity can impact various work arrangements including part-time roles, where a dental assistant working three days a week could expect earnings to be scaled down from full-time rates. Dental assistants typically find employment in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric dental practices, orthodontic clinics, oral surgery suites, and dental school clinics. With an hourly pay range starting from $17.92 for entry-level positions up to $24.21 for experienced assistants, these professionals can anticipate various earnings depending on their specialization and experience.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.92 | $143.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.67 | $149.35 |
| Median (P50) | $20.05 | $160.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.31 | $186.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.21 | $193.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $20.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.05/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, AL can expect to earn approximately $41,705 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,060. With a cost-of-living index of 87.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $802.02 | $3,475 | $41,705 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $481.21 | $2,085 | $25,023 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $320.81 | $1,390 | $16,682 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Decatur) | $20.05 |
| 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 Decatur, AL earn a median of $41,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.87% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.80% above the Alabama state average of $39,423.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.05/hr = $25,023/year (purchasing power: $28,692).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,705/year (purchasing power: $47,820).
CoL index: 87.212 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Decatur grew 26.0% from $15.43/hr (2019) to $19.44/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.68/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
Part-time dental assistants, working around 24 hours per week, would take home approximately $24,000 annually, a stark contrast to the income potential of full-time workers. For those considering per diem opportunities, agency dental assistants often bill between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialist roles in fields like orthodontics and oral surgery demanding rates from $28 to $45. Employer types significantly influence hourly wages in Decatur; general dental practices and DSO chains often offer standardized pay scales while specialty offices might provide more competitive salaries but could come with inflexible hours. Some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, in contrast to the higher rates available without those perks. Negotiation tactics can be crucial in this landscape, with candidates advised to research prevailing rates in their specific sectors and clearly communicate their skills and experience to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Decatur in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Decatur?
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Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Decatur?
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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
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 Decatur. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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