Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Buffalo, NY: $23.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Buffalo, NY runs $23.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,105 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Buffalo's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,464 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Buffalo, New York, dental assistants are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $23.61 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $23.84. This figure reflects the earnings for full-time positions but also has implications for part-time and per-diem workers. For those working three days a week, this hourly wage can provide a reliable income while allowing for flexible scheduling. Per-diem dental assistants can often find work in various clinical settings, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialized practices, with hourly ranges from $20.17 for entry-level positions to $27.97 for top earners. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data illustrates that while Buffalo's pay rate is competitive, it remains just below the national standard.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.17 | $161.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.13 | $185.07 |
| Median (P50) | $23.61 | $188.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.33 | $194.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.97 | $223.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo
Based on $23.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.61/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo, NY can expect to earn approximately $49,106 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,330. With a cost-of-living index of 95.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Buffalo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $944.35 | $4,092 | $49,106 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $566.61 | $2,455 | $29,464 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.74 | $1,637 | $19,642 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Buffalo) | $23.61 |
| 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 Buffalo, NY earn a median of $49,105 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.96% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.70% below the New York state average of $49,451.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.61/hr = $29,464/year (purchasing power: $30,741).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,106/year (purchasing power: $51,236).
CoL index: 95.844 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Buffalo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Buffalo grew 27.1% from $18.01/hr (2019) to $22.89/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.35/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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo
Understanding the nuances of part-time and per-diem work in Buffalo can significantly impact a dental assistant's financial situation. For example, a dental assistant working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,481 annually, compared to a full-time assistant whose earnings can reach around $49,105 annually. Per-diem workers may command rates between $22 and $35, with those in oral surgery and orthodontics earning between $28 and $45 per hour. Variations in hourly wages are seen across different employer types, including general dental practices, specialty offices, and dental school clinics. Many dental assistants choose positions with lower hourly rates for the benefits that come with them, such as health insurance, while others may pursue higher hourly compensation without benefits. Negotiation skills are vital for hourly workers in Buffalo to maximize their earnings potential, especially as the demand for dental assistants continues to grow within the changing landscape of dental services.
More salary data for Buffalo, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Buffalo in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Buffalo?
Are dental assistants in Buffalo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Buffalo?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Buffalo?
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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 Buffalo. 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