Dental assistant salary
BLS occupation: Dental Assistants · Healthcare support · data for May 2025
Median salary $48,070 a year, US
Median hourly pay $23.11 an hour
Middle half earn $44,340–$58,090 25th to 75th percentile
Dental assistants employed 387,790 +7.4% projected by 2035
How much does a dental assistant make?
- The median dental assistant salary in the US is $48,070 a year ($23.11 an hour): half of the 387,790 dental assistants BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $50,200.
- The middle half earn between $44,340 and $58,090. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $37,130 and the top 10% more than $62,250.
- That is 6% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Minnesota pays dental assistants the most (median $65,270), followed by the District of Columbia ($60,580) and Maine ($60,070). Utah pays the least ($37,760).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Minnesota, where the median is worth $66,183 in typical US prices, then North Dakota and Maine.
- In 42 of the 378 metro areas with data, the median dental assistant salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of dental assistants to grow 7.4% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 53,000 openings a year. The typical entry education is a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award).
official From BLS's survey of employers: what dental assistants are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Dental assistant salary range
Half of dental assistants earn between $44,340 and $58,090 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $37,130
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $44,340
Median Yearly pay: $48,070
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $58,090
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $62,250
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $37,130 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $44,340 |
| Median | $48,070 |
| Top 25% earn over | $58,090 |
| Top 10% earn over | $62,250 |
Dental assistant salary by state
Minnesota pays dental assistants the most; Utah the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($48,070), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $65,270 median |
| District of Columbia | $60,580 median |
| Maine | $60,070 median |
| New Hampshire | $59,530 median |
| Oregon | $59,490 median |
| Washington | $58,090 median |
| Massachusetts | $57,980 median |
| North Dakota | $57,770 median |
| Alaska | $57,710 median |
| Connecticut | $56,850 median |
| Vermont | $52,760 median |
| North Carolina | $50,380 median |
| Rhode Island | $50,150 median |
| California | $50,110 median |
| New Jersey | $49,390 median |
| Arizona | $49,000 median |
| Michigan | $48,820 median |
| Indiana | $48,670 median |
| Maryland | $48,620 median |
| Illinois | $48,610 median |
| Iowa | $48,430 median |
| Colorado | $48,340 median |
| New York | $48,110 median |
| Ohio | $47,970 median |
| Pennsylvania | $47,930 median |
| South Dakota | $47,900 median |
| Kentucky | $47,730 median |
| Florida | $47,620 median |
| Delaware | $47,600 median |
| Wisconsin | $47,520 median |
| South Carolina | $47,320 median |
| Nevada | $47,110 median |
| Georgia | $46,840 median |
| Tennessee | $46,720 median |
| Montana | $46,680 median |
| Virginia | $46,670 median |
| Nebraska | $46,660 median |
| Missouri | $45,970 median |
| Idaho | $45,880 median |
| Oklahoma | $45,740 median |
| Texas | $45,430 median |
| Wyoming | $44,990 median |
| Hawaii | $44,720 median |
| New Mexico | $44,400 median |
| Louisiana | $44,090 median |
| Arkansas | $42,830 median |
| Mississippi | $39,160 median |
| Alabama | $39,080 median |
| West Virginia | $37,960 median |
| Utah | $37,760 median |
Where dental assistant pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Dental assistants' pay goes furthest in Minnesota once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $66,183 |
| North Dakota | $64,940 |
| Maine | $61,896 |
| Oregon | $57,556 |
| New Hampshire | $57,150 |
| Alaska | $56,380 |
| Iowa | $55,183 |
| District of Columbia | $55,122 |
| Connecticut | $54,869 |
| Massachusetts | $54,824 |
Dental assistant pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $65,270 | $31.38 | $46,960 | $76,110 | 5,980 | $66,183 |
| District of Columbia | $60,580 | $29.13 | $47,530 | $74,960 | 630 | $55,122 |
| Maine | $60,070 | $28.88 | $47,290 | $62,660 | 1,550 | $61,896 |
| New Hampshire | $59,530 | $28.62 | $47,820 | $64,360 | 1,600 | $57,150 |
| Oregon | $59,490 | $28.60 | $49,010 | $75,570 | 5,930 | $57,556 |
| Washington | $58,090 | $27.93 | $46,280 | $68,230 | 13,050 | $54,283 |
| Massachusetts | $57,980 | $27.88 | $47,270 | $72,790 | 9,680 | $54,824 |
| North Dakota | $57,770 | $27.77 | $43,680 | $72,710 | 860 | $64,940 |
| Alaska | $57,710 | $27.75 | $40,300 | $62,780 | 1,140 | $56,380 |
| Connecticut | $56,850 | $27.33 | $38,630 | $60,900 | 3,840 | $54,869 |
| Vermont | $52,760 | $25.37 | $45,260 | $66,410 | 580 | $53,860 |
| North Carolina | $50,380 | $24.22 | $38,240 | $60,200 | 11,450 | $53,411 |
| Rhode Island | $50,150 | $24.11 | $45,640 | $60,900 | 1,050 | $49,032 |
| California | $50,110 | $24.09 | $38,790 | $73,700 | 56,220 | $45,258 |
| New Jersey | $49,390 | $23.75 | $38,660 | $64,200 | 9,990 | $45,393 |
| Arizona | $49,000 | $23.56 | $38,500 | $59,380 | 8,680 | $48,671 |
| Michigan | $48,820 | $23.47 | $37,110 | $58,900 | 11,990 | $50,739 |
| Indiana | $48,670 | $23.40 | $36,880 | $60,590 | 6,690 | $52,149 |
| Maryland | $48,620 | $23.38 | $35,560 | $61,710 | 6,560 | $46,323 |
| Illinois | $48,610 | $23.37 | $37,360 | $59,910 | 13,740 | $48,630 |
| Iowa | $48,430 | $23.28 | $39,360 | $59,580 | 3,210 | $55,183 |
| Colorado | $48,340 | $23.24 | $38,500 | $60,540 | 8,360 | $46,908 |
| New York | $48,110 | $23.13 | $36,410 | $60,490 | 19,800 | $44,579 |
| Ohio | $47,970 | $23.06 | $36,870 | $78,000 | 12,150 | $51,706 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,930 | $23.04 | $38,040 | $61,430 | 12,080 | $49,123 |
| South Dakota | $47,900 | $23.03 | $38,190 | $60,310 | 1,290 | $54,072 |
| Kentucky | $47,730 | $22.95 | $35,600 | $62,050 | 4,530 | $52,940 |
| Florida | $47,620 | $22.89 | $37,800 | $58,880 | 26,620 | $46,048 |
| Delaware | $47,600 | $22.88 | $36,410 | $56,840 | 990 | $47,692 |
| Wisconsin | $47,520 | $22.85 | $39,500 | $58,840 | 7,760 | $50,502 |
| South Carolina | $47,320 | $22.75 | $37,070 | $58,480 | 5,530 | $50,475 |
| Nevada | $47,110 | $22.65 | $36,870 | $56,700 | 4,230 | $47,120 |
| Georgia | $46,840 | $22.52 | $36,410 | $57,710 | 10,540 | $48,643 |
| Tennessee | $46,720 | $22.46 | $37,810 | $61,260 | 7,420 | $50,854 |
| Montana | $46,680 | $22.44 | $37,340 | $57,900 | 1,450 | $49,321 |
| Virginia | $46,670 | $22.44 | $37,720 | $58,910 | 10,760 | $46,160 |
| Nebraska | $46,660 | $22.43 | $37,810 | $57,430 | 2,520 | $51,785 |
| Missouri | $45,970 | $22.10 | $36,580 | $59,410 | 6,760 | $50,618 |
| Idaho | $45,880 | $22.06 | $37,430 | $59,740 | 2,680 | $48,045 |
| Oklahoma | $45,740 | $21.99 | $36,030 | $58,430 | 4,550 | $52,070 |
| Texas | $45,430 | $21.84 | $35,400 | $57,640 | 33,230 | $46,808 |
| Wyoming | $44,990 | $21.63 | $35,530 | $57,110 | 630 | $48,538 |
| Hawaii | $44,720 | $21.50 | $31,540 | $50,340 | 1,960 | $40,673 |
| New Mexico | $44,400 | $21.35 | $37,060 | $55,950 | 2,150 | $48,150 |
| Louisiana | $44,090 | $21.20 | $31,050 | $49,640 | 4,540 | $49,985 |
| Arkansas | $42,830 | $20.59 | $35,060 | $48,330 | 2,950 | $49,266 |
| Mississippi | $39,160 | $18.83 | $30,650 | $58,620 | 3,080 | $45,036 |
| Alabama | $39,080 | $18.79 | $30,840 | $51,400 | 3,740 | $43,998 |
| West Virginia | $37,960 | $18.25 | $31,760 | $52,630 | 1,290 | $42,415 |
| Utah | $37,760 | $18.15 | $35,380 | $47,680 | 6,640 | $38,194 |
BLS does not publish pay for dental assistants in 1 state (too few workers to estimate reliably). After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Dental assistant salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes dental assistant pay: 382 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $74,600
- Minneapolis, MN $72,370
- San Francisco, CA $64,390
- Rochester, MN $63,450
- Seattle, WA $62,040
- Portland, ME $61,240
- Mankato, MN $61,010
- St. Cloud, MN $61,000
- Santa Rosa, CA $60,590
- Napa, CA $60,270
Where the pay goes furthest
- Rochester, MN $69,863
- St. Cloud, MN $69,609
- Minneapolis, MN $69,041
- San Jose, CA $67,558
- Mankato, MN $67,077
- Duluth, MN $66,905
- Grand Forks, ND $66,661
- Minot, ND $66,381
- Bismarck, ND $64,774
- Fargo, ND $62,660
All 382 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $74,600 | 2,870 | $67,558 | 61% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $72,370 | 3,910 | $69,041 | 29% |
| San Francisco, CA | $64,390 | 7,530 | $55,694 | 64% |
| Rochester, MN | $63,450 | 320 | $69,863 | 30% |
| Seattle, WA | $62,040 | 7,100 | $55,825 | 44% |
| Portland, ME | $61,240 | 830 | $60,123 | 45% |
| Mankato, MN | $61,010 | 120 | $67,077 | 24% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $61,000 | 270 | $69,609 | 24% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $60,590 | 680 | $56,214 | 53% |
| Napa, CA | $60,270 | 230 | $53,548 | 58% |
| Portland, OR | $59,890 | 4,120 | $56,810 | 36% |
| Manchester, NH | $59,700 | 600 | $56,504 | 44% |
| Bend, OR | $59,590 | 420 | $57,515 | 45% |
| Duluth, MN | $59,390 | 310 | $66,905 | 27% |
| Salem, OR | $59,210 | 570 | $57,125 | 33% |
| Vallejo, CA | $59,000 | 630 | $54,388 | 50% |
| Bismarck, ND | $58,960 | 210 | $64,774 | 27% |
| Oxnard, CA | $58,930 | 1,250 | $53,314 | 60% |
| Boulder, CO | $58,760 | 520 | $55,854 | 45% |
| Raleigh, NC | $58,750 | 1,850 | $59,853 | 34% |
| Sacramento, CA | $58,580 | 3,100 | $54,917 | 46% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $58,580 | 370 | $53,305 | 71% |
| Eugene, OR | $58,500 | 470 | $57,597 | 36% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $58,180 | 90 | $59,513 | 33% |
| Boston, MA | $58,160 | 7,190 | $53,720 | 62% |
| San Diego, CA | $58,120 | 4,260 | $51,945 | 61% |
| Barnstable, MA | $58,080 | 240 | $59,054 | 53% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $57,770 | 970 | $54,059 | 60% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $57,770 | 110 | $66,661 | 24% |
| Minot, ND | $57,770 | 70 | $66,381 | 26% |
| Anchorage, AK | $57,710 | 640 | $54,743 | 39% |
| Lewiston, ME | $57,650 | 100 | $60,853 | 33% |
| Trenton, NJ | $57,400 | 470 | $55,631 | 53% |
| Medford, OR | $57,300 | 310 | $56,490 | 39% |
| Naples, FL | $57,260 | 550 | $55,484 | 55% |
| Burlington, VT | $57,230 | 270 | $56,692 | 54% |
| Albany, OR | $57,180 | 130 | $56,004 | 34% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $57,150 | 440 | $52,626 | 59% |
| Corvallis, OR | $57,080 | 100 | $54,876 | 38% |
| Fargo, ND | $56,940 | 330 | $62,660 | 23% |
| Norwich, CT | $56,850 | 240 | $56,598 | 44% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $56,810 | 140 | $55,044 | 39% |
| Salinas, CA | $56,790 | 570 | $52,081 | 59% |
| Asheville, NC | $56,680 | 560 | $58,732 | 36% |
| New Haven, CT | $56,650 | 530 | $54,180 | 43% |
| Hartford, CT | $56,160 | 1,590 | $54,659 | 43% |
| Lansing, MI | $56,150 | 550 | $59,111 | 28% |
| El Centro, CA | $56,050 | 130 | $58,892 | 39% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $54,970 | 160 | $54,837 | – |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $53,370 | 490 | $52,904 | 43% |
| Elkhart, IN | $52,830 | 160 | $58,489 | 27% |
| Durham, NC | $51,670 | 640 | $52,956 | 38% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $51,470 | 130 | $54,119 | 41% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $51,310 | 610 | $47,161 | 77% |
| Wilmington, NC | $51,110 | 600 | $53,007 | 41% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $51,020 | 200 | $50,754 | 44% |
| Spokane, WA | $50,980 | 1,000 | $50,804 | 36% |
| Worcester, MA | $50,720 | 880 | $49,472 | 50% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $50,490 | 1,470 | $52,844 | 38% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $50,270 | 1,850 | $50,531 | 40% |
| Modesto, CA | $50,170 | 890 | $48,190 | 49% |
| Burlington, NC | $50,140 | 150 | $53,801 | 32% |
| Detroit, MI | $50,110 | 6,030 | $49,961 | 36% |
| Charlotte, NC | $50,060 | 3,540 | $51,424 | 42% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $50,060 | 480 | $54,388 | 37% |
| Fresno, CA | $50,040 | 1,360 | $48,983 | 49% |
| Yuba City, CA | $50,030 | 240 | $47,998 | 49% |
| Des Moines, IA | $50,020 | 660 | $54,547 | 31% |
| Hanford, CA | $49,980 | 200 | $49,187 | 47% |
| Madison, WI | $49,930 | 920 | $51,322 | 43% |
| Waterbury, CT | $49,900 | 370 | $50,011 | – |
| Bellingham, WA | $49,830 | 410 | $48,222 | 47% |
| Bremerton, WA | $49,800 | 470 | $47,156 | 49% |
| Greensboro, NC | $49,800 | 800 | $53,626 | 34% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $49,790 | 110 | $50,538 | 36% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $49,760 | 6,270 | $48,163 | 41% |
| Springfield, MA | $49,690 | 610 | $51,728 | 47% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $49,590 | 2,440 | $51,997 | 37% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $49,570 | 6,510 | $48,336 | 46% |
| Kennewick, WA | $49,540 | 520 | $49,501 | 41% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $49,530 | 230 | $48,349 | 53% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $49,520 | 460 | $53,839 | 35% |
| Denver, CO | $49,490 | 4,160 | $46,785 | 46% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $49,470 | 130 | $53,981 | 27% |
| Providence, RI | $49,460 | 1,650 | $48,598 | 53% |
| Elmira, NY | $49,450 | 40 | $52,385 | 28% |
| Greenville, NC | $49,420 | 230 | $55,904 | 36% |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,230 | 280 | $53,798 | 43% |
| Bangor, ME | $49,160 | 190 | $50,939 | 37% |
| Bozeman, MT | $49,160 | 190 | $47,956 | 54% |
| Ames, IA | $49,140 | 110 | $55,319 | 28% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $49,120 | 620 | $44,890 | 55% |
| Louisville, KY | $49,100 | 1,500 | $52,754 | 33% |
| Stockton, CA | $49,090 | 780 | $46,713 | 59% |
| Charleston, SC | $49,040 | 1,050 | $48,573 | 50% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $48,970 | 2,200 | $51,172 | 37% |
| Chicago, IL | $48,950 | 10,490 | $47,251 | 53% |
| Michigan City, IN | $48,920 | 80 | $53,358 | 29% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $48,900 | 150 | $48,742 | 52% |
| Olympia, WA | $48,890 | 480 | $47,159 | 50% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $48,890 | 450 | $53,944 | 31% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $48,810 | 270 | $49,374 | 50% |
| Vineland, NJ | $48,790 | 130 | $50,840 | 41% |
| Rochester, NY | $48,780 | 1,020 | $50,271 | 38% |
| Columbus, OH | $48,760 | 2,560 | $51,074 | 38% |
| Lafayette, IN | $48,730 | 190 | $52,157 | 36% |
| Hickory, NC | $48,720 | 320 | $55,060 | 39% |
| Dayton, OH | $48,710 | 840 | $52,549 | 33% |
| Green Bay, WI | $48,700 | 410 | $52,317 | 28% |
| Lexington, KY | $48,690 | 750 | $52,417 | 39% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $48,670 | 630 | $52,575 | 31% |
| Carson City, NV | $48,590 | 100 | $49,516 | 51% |
| Sioux City, IA | $48,590 | 190 | $56,203 | 32% |
| Nashville, TN | $48,540 | 2,730 | $50,385 | 45% |
| Merced, CA | $48,520 | 250 | $49,372 | 51% |
| Austin, TX | $48,500 | 3,010 | $49,456 | 40% |
| Riverside, CA | $48,500 | 5,240 | $45,565 | 63% |
| Redding, CA | $48,490 | 240 | $48,161 | 41% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $48,490 | 80 | $55,095 | 32% |
| Lincoln, NE | $48,440 | 580 | $52,893 | 32% |
| New York, NY | $48,430 | 20,870 | $43,025 | 88% |
| Baltimore, MD | $48,410 | 2,930 | $46,331 | 48% |
| Reno, NV | $48,400 | 790 | $47,914 | 51% |
| Flint, MI | $48,360 | 430 | $51,981 | 26% |
| Kokomo, IN | $48,360 | 140 | $53,944 | 27% |
| Midland, MI | $48,360 | 130 | $52,610 | 34% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $48,310 | 370 | $54,303 | 30% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $48,300 | 210 | $46,507 | 44% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $48,290 | 1,360 | $47,951 | 44% |
| Akron, OH | $48,230 | 740 | $51,655 | 32% |
| Albany, NY | $48,220 | 970 | $48,430 | 42% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $48,210 | 120 | $54,498 | 38% |
| Memphis, TN | $48,200 | 1,200 | $52,290 | 35% |
| Kansas City, MO | $48,190 | 2,470 | $52,073 | 38% |
| North Port, FL | $48,190 | 1,170 | $47,053 | 52% |
| Bloomington, IN | $48,170 | 130 | $50,660 | 43% |
| Chico, CA | $48,170 | 290 | $47,600 | 39% |
| Ithaca, NY | $48,170 | 100 | $46,623 | 49% |
| St. Louis, MO | $48,120 | 2,990 | $50,606 | 36% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $48,100 | 990 | $47,678 | 45% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $48,080 | 510 | $47,544 | 49% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $48,030 | 170 | $47,668 | 51% |
| Omaha, NE | $48,020 | 1,150 | $52,246 | 35% |
| Casper, WY | $48,000 | 100 | $51,157 | 36% |
| Evansville, IN | $48,000 | 300 | $52,443 | 27% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $47,970 | 170 | $52,093 | 39% |
| Waterloo, IA | $47,970 | 170 | $55,102 | 26% |
| Kingston, NY | $47,940 | 130 | $47,602 | 50% |
| Miami, FL | $47,860 | 9,180 | $41,925 | 67% |
| Dubuque, IA | $47,850 | 160 | $54,793 | 27% |
| Rapid City, SD | $47,850 | 320 | $53,668 | 37% |
| Cleveland, OH | $47,800 | 2,540 | $50,893 | 36% |
| Decatur, IL | $47,770 | 60 | $54,025 | 27% |
| South Bend, IN | $47,770 | 360 | $51,444 | 32% |
| Richmond, VA | $47,760 | 1,610 | $48,805 | 43% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $47,760 | 160 | $50,801 | 34% |
| Janesville, WI | $47,750 | 170 | $50,959 | 32% |
| Greenville, SC | $47,730 | 1,140 | $51,179 | 39% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $47,710 | 310 | $48,539 | 46% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $47,690 | 2,260 | $50,374 | 37% |
| Buffalo, NY | $47,610 | 1,230 | $49,674 | 37% |
| Allentown, PA | $47,590 | 970 | $47,605 | 46% |
| Dallas, TX | $47,570 | 9,010 | $46,144 | 42% |
| Billings, MT | $47,550 | 330 | $50,841 | 35% |
| Washington, DC | $47,540 | 8,440 | $43,661 | 61% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $47,520 | 300 | $48,364 | 48% |
| Tucson, AZ | $47,510 | 970 | $49,032 | 38% |
| Longview, WA | $47,500 | 190 | $48,695 | 36% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $47,420 | 720 | $48,069 | 37% |
| Davenport, IA | $47,410 | 380 | $53,222 | 25% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $47,400 | 800 | $47,398 | 48% |
| Syracuse, NY | $47,370 | 690 | $49,477 | 41% |
| Lewiston, ID | $47,360 | 100 | $51,953 | 37% |
| Kenosha, WI | $47,310 | 180 | $46,787 | – |
| Lancaster, PA | $47,310 | 630 | $48,149 | 40% |
| Peoria, IL | $47,280 | 300 | $51,824 | 29% |
| Greeley, CO | $47,270 | 360 | $47,187 | 43% |
| Columbus, IN | $47,260 | 120 | $50,816 | 35% |
| Boise, ID | $47,250 | 1,000 | $48,023 | 49% |
| Appleton, WI | $47,240 | 370 | $51,115 | 30% |
| Scranton, PA | $47,220 | 450 | $50,472 | 35% |
| Atlanta, GA | $47,210 | 6,700 | $47,183 | 47% |
| Crestview, FL | $47,180 | 300 | $48,624 | 50% |
| La Crosse, WI | $47,180 | 230 | $51,412 | 34% |
| Reading, PA | $47,160 | 370 | $48,589 | 39% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $47,160 | 210 | $47,749 | 50% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $47,140 | 2,400 | $48,630 | 39% |
| Champaign, IL | $47,120 | 180 | $50,828 | 35% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $47,120 | 270 | $48,073 | 50% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $47,070 | 110 | $49,617 | 37% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $47,070 | 370 | $50,022 | 39% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $47,050 | 680 | $51,504 | 40% |
| Columbia, MO | $46,920 | 220 | $52,461 | 37% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $46,920 | 280 | $49,473 | 33% |
| Grand Island, NE | $46,910 | 100 | $54,133 | 34% |
| Jackson, MS | $46,910 | 790 | $52,679 | 38% |
| Traverse City, MI | $46,910 | 290 | $50,240 | 47% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $46,900 | 21,090 | $41,298 | 75% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $46,890 | 3,080 | $46,789 | 44% |
| Tampa, FL | $46,890 | 3,560 | $46,476 | 51% |
| Helena, MT | $46,870 | 130 | $48,989 | 42% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $46,850 | 330 | $50,487 | 29% |
| Salisbury, MD | $46,850 | 80 | $48,998 | 50% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $46,840 | 310 | $51,444 | 38% |
| Columbia, SC | $46,800 | 860 | $49,967 | 40% |
| Knoxville, TN | $46,790 | 1,030 | $50,546 | 44% |
| Topeka, KS | $46,780 | 200 | $52,668 | 32% |
| Paducah, KY | $46,750 | 190 | $54,307 | 30% |
| Lebanon, PA | $46,740 | 80 | $50,143 | 37% |
| Wausau, WI | $46,740 | 230 | $50,447 | 25% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $46,690 | 260 | $49,580 | 41% |
| Lakeland, FL | $46,670 | 580 | $48,044 | 47% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $46,670 | 1,860 | $47,651 | 48% |
| Yakima, WA | $46,670 | 480 | $48,846 | 35% |
| Visalia, CA | $46,630 | 480 | $46,712 | 45% |
| Williamsport, PA | $46,620 | 70 | $50,482 | 28% |
| Jackson, TN | $46,590 | 190 | $54,477 | 36% |
| Toledo, OH | $46,580 | 700 | $50,932 | 33% |
| Muskegon, MI | $46,570 | 170 | $50,336 | 33% |
| Utica, NY | $46,560 | 250 | $50,238 | 37% |
| Missoula, MT | $46,550 | 210 | $48,266 | 42% |
| York, PA | $46,550 | 350 | $48,490 | 36% |
| Tulsa, OK | $46,510 | 1,440 | $52,133 | 35% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $46,480 | 120 | $50,135 | 43% |
| Orlando, FL | $46,480 | 3,260 | $45,830 | 50% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $46,470 | 110 | $48,160 | 39% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $46,450 | 110 | $52,906 | 25% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $46,440 | 200 | $49,974 | 33% |
| Sebastian, FL | $46,430 | 220 | $47,229 | 55% |
| Panama City, FL | $46,420 | 180 | $47,710 | 45% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $46,420 | 530 | $46,314 | 60% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $46,410 | 140 | $51,241 | 34% |
| Bloomington, IL | $46,390 | 140 | $49,595 | 33% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $46,370 | 900 | $45,306 | 47% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $46,360 | 670 | $50,687 | 39% |
| Great Falls, MT | $46,360 | 120 | $47,870 | 37% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $46,350 | 300 | $48,546 | 45% |
| Gainesville, FL | $46,340 | 440 | $47,905 | 42% |
| Kahului, HI | $46,320 | 220 | $42,343 | 83% |
| Monroe, MI | $46,320 | 70 | $49,544 | 33% |
| Winchester, VA | $46,310 | 180 | $48,015 | 47% |
| Sandusky, OH | $46,260 | 90 | $51,814 | 47% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $46,250 | 1,820 | $51,157 | 36% |
| State College, PA | $46,210 | 150 | $47,756 | 51% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $46,200 | 120 | $48,816 | 35% |
| Pensacola, FL | $46,180 | 550 | $47,259 | 45% |
| Niles, MI | $46,170 | 130 | $49,984 | 36% |
| The Villages, FL | $46,120 | 150 | $53,990 | 45% |
| Clarksville, TN | $46,050 | 320 | $50,634 | 35% |
| Saginaw, MI | $46,050 | 170 | $50,665 | 27% |
| Sherman, TX | $46,040 | 240 | $49,098 | 35% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $45,970 | 220 | $50,976 | 32% |
| Rockford, IL | $45,970 | 530 | $49,884 | 34% |
| Hammond, LA | $45,950 | 100 | $54,404 | 34% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $45,930 | 70 | $48,155 | 36% |
| New Orleans, LA | $45,920 | 760 | $49,591 | 41% |
| San Antonio, TX | $45,920 | 3,820 | $48,482 | 37% |
| Rome, GA | $45,870 | 110 | $50,876 | 33% |
| Gainesville, GA | $45,850 | 220 | $47,382 | 45% |
| Midland, TX | $45,820 | 190 | $47,837 | 41% |
| Staunton, VA | $45,810 | 110 | $50,270 | 38% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $45,750 | 390 | $48,856 | 45% |
| Pueblo, CO | $45,710 | 260 | $49,814 | 35% |
| Savannah, GA | $45,710 | 380 | $48,012 | 46% |
| Dover, DE | $45,700 | 190 | $46,868 | 47% |
| Springfield, OH | $45,660 | 100 | $50,463 | 32% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $45,620 | 80 | $51,119 | 34% |
| Kankakee, IL | $45,610 | 60 | $47,316 | 35% |
| Lima, OH | $45,570 | 90 | $50,820 | 32% |
| Morristown, TN | $45,550 | 130 | $52,742 | 41% |
| Jackson, MI | $45,540 | 150 | $49,619 | 31% |
| Johnson City, TN | $45,540 | 220 | $51,792 | 39% |
| Deltona, FL | $45,530 | 670 | $45,820 | 47% |
| Muncie, IN | $45,500 | 140 | $51,618 | 28% |
| Springfield, MO | $45,500 | 850 | $51,363 | 33% |
| Sumter, SC | $45,500 | 120 | $51,693 | 39% |
| Springfield, IL | $45,390 | 360 | $48,941 | 32% |
| Yuma, AZ | $45,350 | 130 | $48,918 | 38% |
| Canton, OH | $45,340 | 400 | $50,712 | 30% |
| Owensboro, KY | $45,330 | 160 | $51,157 | 33% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $45,330 | 340 | $48,265 | 39% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $45,320 | 170 | $47,760 | 45% |
| Altoona, PA | $45,310 | 90 | $50,622 | 27% |
| Cleveland, TN | $45,230 | 140 | $51,351 | 37% |
| Sebring, FL | $45,200 | 90 | $48,881 | 40% |
| Racine, WI | $45,190 | 310 | $47,092 | 39% |
| Roanoke, VA | $45,170 | 300 | $48,249 | 37% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $45,140 | 100 | $48,295 | 47% |
| Little Rock, AR | $45,140 | 920 | $50,513 | 33% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $45,110 | 360 | $47,780 | 38% |
| Kingsport, TN | $45,110 | 320 | $52,182 | 35% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $45,110 | 230 | $50,480 | 34% |
| Bay City, MI | $45,070 | 90 | $49,031 | 27% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $45,040 | 280 | $45,428 | 54% |
| Gulfport, MS | $45,020 | 450 | $50,019 | 38% |
| Slidell, LA | $45,020 | 370 | $48,552 | – |
| Lafayette, LA | $44,940 | 620 | $51,531 | 37% |
| Erie, PA | $44,930 | 230 | $49,401 | 30% |
| Ocala, FL | $44,900 | 370 | $47,147 | 43% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $44,860 | 100 | $49,547 | 31% |
| Binghamton, NY | $44,840 | 270 | $48,286 | 43% |
| Beaumont, TX | $44,820 | 350 | $49,775 | 35% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $44,810 | 1,000 | $46,899 | 40% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $44,800 | 950 | $49,350 | 37% |
| Pocatello, ID | $44,620 | 160 | $50,188 | 29% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $44,610 | 200 | $48,432 | 42% |
| Wheeling, WV | $44,610 | 110 | $50,508 | 23% |
| Killeen, TX | $44,450 | 470 | $48,775 | 35% |
| Mansfield, OH | $44,410 | 110 | $49,971 | 24% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $44,370 | 150 | $51,546 | 27% |
| Odessa, TX | $44,300 | 150 | $47,180 | 43% |
| Hinesville, GA | $44,150 | 70 | $47,002 | 47% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $44,090 | 150 | $50,117 | 27% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $44,030 | 180 | $46,946 | 41% |
| Amarillo, TX | $44,010 | 280 | $47,931 | 36% |
| Victoria, TX | $43,980 | 90 | $48,954 | 32% |
| Waco, TX | $43,980 | 250 | $47,520 | 39% |
| Athens, GA | $43,970 | 160 | $47,106 | 48% |
| Huntsville, AL | $43,930 | 390 | $47,200 | 38% |
| Macon, GA | $43,920 | 200 | $49,611 | 33% |
| Brunswick, GA | $43,820 | 140 | $49,961 | 46% |
| Youngstown, OH | $43,800 | 340 | $50,118 | 29% |
| Augusta, GA | $43,790 | 670 | $47,648 | 40% |
| Weirton, WV | $43,790 | 60 | $49,189 | 22% |
| Houston, TX | $43,730 | 8,150 | $44,338 | 45% |
| College Station, TX | $43,630 | 270 | $47,971 | 41% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $43,500 | 140 | $50,358 | 28% |
| Lawton, OK | $43,430 | 120 | $50,535 | 31% |
| Valdosta, GA | $43,380 | 120 | $49,144 | 37% |
| Johnstown, PA | $43,370 | 110 | $50,472 | 25% |
| Longview, TX | $43,300 | 280 | $48,388 | 32% |
| Alexandria, LA | $43,270 | 120 | $50,498 | 29% |
| Joplin, MO | $43,010 | 210 | $50,176 | 35% |
| Watertown, NY | $43,010 | 110 | $49,048 | 42% |
| Albany, GA | $42,820 | 110 | $48,843 | 30% |
| Honolulu, HI | $42,750 | 1,450 | $38,527 | 85% |
| Huntington, WV | $42,660 | 240 | $48,246 | 31% |
| Farmington, NM | $42,400 | 210 | $48,343 | 40% |
| Florence, SC | $42,220 | 240 | $48,655 | 43% |
| Birmingham, AL | $42,050 | 1,120 | $45,884 | 40% |
| Columbus, GA | $42,050 | 260 | $47,091 | 39% |
| Decatur, AL | $40,440 | 90 | $46,370 | 32% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $40,280 | 120 | $44,999 | 39% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $40,200 | 220 | $46,825 | 41% |
| Lubbock, TX | $39,900 | 440 | $43,694 | 40% |
| Abilene, TX | $39,510 | 170 | $43,723 | 60% |
| El Paso, TX | $39,090 | 840 | $43,476 | 47% |
| Shreveport, LA | $38,950 | 410 | $45,950 | 39% |
| Mobile, AL | $38,800 | 310 | $44,042 | 40% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $38,730 | 380 | $41,793 | 44% |
| San Angelo, TX | $38,710 | 110 | $41,870 | 41% |
| Auburn, AL | $38,550 | 130 | $43,840 | 50% |
| Morgantown, WV | $38,540 | 100 | $41,297 | 42% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $38,400 | 200 | $42,566 | 46% |
| Tyler, TX | $38,390 | 370 | $41,658 | 41% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $38,330 | 2,470 | $38,000 | 51% |
| Montgomery, AL | $38,260 | 280 | $42,662 | 43% |
| Daphne, AL | $38,220 | 260 | $40,363 | 53% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $38,190 | 260 | $43,579 | 41% |
| Texarkana, TX | $38,180 | 120 | $45,446 | 39% |
| Charleston, WV | $38,090 | 210 | $42,934 | 38% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $38,050 | 200 | $43,376 | 53% |
| Laredo, TX | $37,900 | 190 | $43,585 | 36% |
| Houma, LA | $37,870 | 210 | $44,499 | 41% |
| Brownsville, TX | $37,560 | 330 | $43,687 | 48% |
| Dalton, GA | $37,530 | 180 | $41,772 | 45% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $37,440 | 100 | $43,672 | 40% |
| Beckley, WV | $37,410 | 110 | $42,334 | 33% |
| Enid, OK | $37,320 | 70 | $44,287 | 36% |
| Ogden, UT | $37,300 | 1,120 | $37,170 | 52% |
| McAllen, TX | $37,230 | 670 | $43,344 | 36% |
| Florence, AL | $37,170 | 120 | $43,824 | 35% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $37,160 | 220 | $43,266 | 35% |
| Anniston, AL | $37,060 | 80 | $43,119 | 31% |
| Monroe, LA | $37,020 | 310 | $44,284 | 38% |
| Dothan, AL | $36,820 | 140 | $43,921 | 39% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $36,820 | 70 | $42,290 | 35% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $36,720 | 170 | $42,759 | 40% |
| Provo, UT | $36,580 | 1,640 | $37,238 | 58% |
| St. George, UT | $36,350 | 460 | $37,351 | 61% |
| Gadsden, AL | $35,690 | 70 | $41,668 | 36% |
| Logan, UT | $35,680 | 270 | $37,195 | 48% |
What the median dental assistant salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $48,070 |
| Month | $4,006 |
| Every two weeks | $1,849 |
| Week | $924 |
| Hour | $23.11 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a dental assistant: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +7.4% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 53,000 |
| Self-employed | 0.1% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Physical therapist assistant | $68,380 | Associate's degree |
| CNA | $42,260 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Occupational therapy assistant | $72,300 | Associate's degree |
| Massage therapist | $58,450 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Vet assistant | $38,150 | High school diploma |
| Phlebotomist | $45,230 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Sterile processing technician | $47,700 | High school diploma |
| Home health aide | $35,800 | High school diploma |
Questions about dental assistant pay
How much does a dental assistant make an hour?
The median is $23.11 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $17.85 and the top 10% over $29.93.
How much does a dental assistant make a month?
About $4,006 a month before taxes at the median salary of $48,070, or $1,849 every two weeks.
What state pays dental assistants the most?
Minnesota, with a median of $65,270. The District of Columbia ($60,580), Maine ($60,070), New Hampshire ($59,530) and Oregon ($59,490) follow.
Where do dental assistants make the most after cost of living?
Minnesota: its median of $65,270 is worth $66,183 at typical US prices. North Dakota, Maine and Oregon come next.
How much do entry-level dental assistants make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of dental assistants earn under $37,130 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $44,340, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a dental assistant?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award). Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 31-9091 (Dental Assistants). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.