Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Stamford, CT: $28.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Stamford, CT runs $28.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,786 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Stamford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,269 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stamford, Connecticut, dental assistants earn a median hourly pay of $28.26, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $23.84. This competitive rate allows part-time and per-diem workers to thrive in various settings, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, and oral surgery suites. For a part-time dental assistant working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a stable income framework, facilitating effective personal budgeting. The pay range for dental assistants in the city spans from $21.99 at the entry-level to about $37.25 for top earners, showcasing a clear pathway for professional advancement and increased earning potential. These figures are derived from annual salary data using projected estimates for 2026.
About the Stamford Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.99 | $175.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.07 | $208.59 |
| Median (P50) | $28.26 | $226.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.64 | $277.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.25 | $298.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stamford
Based on $28.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.26/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stamford, CT can expect to earn approximately $58,782 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,912. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stamford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stamford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,130.41 | $4,898 | $58,782 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $678.25 | $2,939 | $35,269 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.17 | $1,959 | $23,513 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Stamford) | $28.26 |
| 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 Stamford, CT earn a median of $58,786 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.57% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.60% above the Connecticut state average of $58,435.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.26/hr = $35,269/year (purchasing power: $32,687).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,782/year (purchasing power: $54,478).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Stamford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Stamford grew 19.9% from $22.85/hr (2019) to $27.40/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.15/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 Stamford 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 Stamford
Earning potential varies for dental assistants in Stamford, particularly for those working part-time versus full-time. A dental assistant employed for three days a week for 24 hours ultimately generates an annual income that is proportionately lower compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem opportunities provide a flexible earning environment, with rates typically ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, while specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics can command $28 to $45 per hour. Local employers, including general dental practices, pediatric clinics, and large DSO chains like Heartland or Pacific Dental, contribute to this diverse pay structure. Dental assistants may face a trade-off between higher hourly rates with less job security and positions that include benefits like health insurance. Negotiation becomes crucial for hourly workers in Stamford, where understanding employer-specific pay scales and articulating one’s value can lead to more favorable offers. This dynamic aligns with the evolving landscape of dental employment influenced by DSO consolidation and the demand for qualified assistants with specialized skills.
More salary data for Stamford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Stamford in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Stamford?
Are dental assistants in Stamford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Stamford?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Stamford?
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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 Stamford. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stamford 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