Dental Assistant Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on Feb 09, 2025
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Salary

How much does a Dental Assistant make in San Diego, CA?

The average salary for a Dental Assistant is $48,644 per year in San Diego, CA.

Dental assistants in San Diego, CA, can expect to earn a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for this position is around $48,644. Many dental assistants earn between $38,000 and $60,000, depending on their experience and specific job responsibilities.


Around 3.4% of dental assistants make about $38,000, while around 6.9% earn around $40,000. As experience increases, the salary can rise significantly. For instance, about 14.2% of dental assistants earn approximately $50,000, and those with more experience can reach up to $60,000, which corresponds to around 4.4% of the workforce.


Overall, becoming a dental assistant in San Diego can be a rewarding career path, offering a stable income and the chance to grow over time.

View Dental Assistant Jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the highest paying cities for Dental Assistant near San Diego, CA?

For dental assistants near San Diego, Solana Beach offers the highest average salary at $54,192. Following closely are Coronado and La Jolla, with average salaries of $49,917 and $49,665, respectively. Cities like Alpine and Ramona also provide competitive pay, with averages around $49,591 and $49,486.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Dental Assistant jobs near San Diego, CA, highlighting Solana Beach, CA with the highest at $54,192 and National City, CA with the lowest at $47,921.
  1. Solana Beach, CA
    Average Salary: $54,192
    Working as a dental professional in Solana Beach offers a friendly community atmosphere. You can find enjoyable positions in local clinics that prioritize patient care and comfort.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Solana Beach, CA


  2. Coronado, CA
    Average Salary: $49,917
    In Coronado, dental professionals play a vital role in keeping smiles bright. The charming island setting provides a unique backdrop for dental practices, making work engaging and enjoyable.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Coronado, CA


  3. La Jolla, CA
    Average Salary: $49,665
    La Jolla is known for its beautiful coastline and vibrant community. Dental clinics here are often busy and well-respected, providing an excellent environment for skill development and patient interaction.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in La Jolla, CA


  4. Alpine, CA
    Average Salary: $49,591
    Alpine offers a close-knit community that values dental health. Professionals in this area often enjoy a stable work environment and the chance to build lasting relationships with patients.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Alpine, CA


  5. Ramona, CA
    Average Salary: $49,486
    Ramona provides a supportive setting for dental professionals. Local dental offices appreciate team members who are passionate about patient care and community service.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Ramona, CA


  6. San Ysidro, CA
    Average Salary: $49,181
    In San Ysidro, dental professionals can serve a diverse population. The clinics in this area focus on accessibility and comprehensive care, making each day rewarding.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in San Ysidro, CA


  7. Poway, CA
    Average Salary: $48,900
    Poway features a range of dental practices, from family-owned clinics to larger offices. This city’s strong emphasis on health and well-being creates many opportunities for dental professionals.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Poway, CA


  8. Del Mar, CA
    Average Salary: $48,758
    Del Mar's beautiful coastal views enhance the work-life balance for dental staff. Local practices emphasize preventive care, allowing dental professionals to play a key role in community health.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Del Mar, CA


  9. Chula Vista, CA
    Average Salary: $48,129
    Chula Vista boasts a variety of dental practices that cater to different community needs. Professionals in this city engage with a broad demographic, ensuring that each day is dynamic and fulfilling.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Chula Vista, CA


  10. National City, CA
    Average Salary: $47,921
    National City features a range of dental offices that appreciate bilingual skills. Working here allows professionals to make a significant impact in a diverse community.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in National City, CA

What are the best paying companies for Dental Assistant in San Diego, CA?

In San Diego, the US Department of Veterans Affairs offers the highest average salary for Dental Assistants at about $61,190. Following closely are San Diego Hand Specialists and Gen4 Dental, with average salaries of $59,667 and $59,333, respectively. Many companies provide competitive pay, making it an excellent time for job seekers in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Dental Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA, highlighting US Department of Veterans Affairs with the highest at $61,190 and Dougherty Dental with the lowest at $51,167.
  1. US Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $61,190
    The US Department of Veterans Affairs offers rewarding Dental Assistant roles in San Diego, CA. Employees assist in providing dental care to veterans, enjoying a stable work environment and comprehensive benefits.


  2. San Diego Hand Specialists
    Average Salary: $59,667
    San Diego Hand Specialists provides an opportunity for Dental Assistants to work alongside skilled professionals. With locations across San Diego, employees support the dental needs of patients in a specialized setting.


  3. Gen4 Dental
    Average Salary: $59,333
    Gen4 Dental focuses on advanced patient care and offers Dental Assistant positions in their San Diego locations. The company promotes a collaborative atmosphere where Dental Assistants play a key role in patient treatment.


  4. Little Smile Co. Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
    Average Salary: $55,400
    At Little Smile Co., Dental Assistants work in a friendly environment specializing in children's dental health. Their San Diego offices offer a unique chance to positively impact young patients' experiences.


  5. Bold Smiles Dental
    Average Salary: $53,200
    Bold Smiles Dental provides Dental Assistants with opportunities to thrive in patient-centered care. Located in various parts of San Diego, the company fosters a supportive workplace culture.


  6. LIGHTHOUSE DENTAL
    Average Salary: $52,667
    LIGHTHOUSE DENTAL focuses on creating bright smiles for patients and offers employment chances for Dental Assistants in San Diego. Team members enjoy a welcoming and dynamic work environment.


  7. Bay View Dental
    Average Salary: $52,500
    Bay View Dental is dedicated to high-quality dental care. Dental Assistants at their San Diego locations help ensure patient comfort and satisfaction while benefiting from a collaborative team.


  8. Torrey Del Mar Dentistry
    Average Salary: $52,000
    Torrey Del Mar Dentistry provides Dental Assistants a chance to contribute to innovative dental practices in San Diego. Employees enjoy working in a professional environment focused on top-notch patient care.


  9. smile plus dentistry
    Average Salary: $51,222
    smile plus dentistry emphasizes patient relationships and care. Dental Assistants in their San Diego offices play a vital role in daily operations and patient experiences.


  10. Dougherty Dental
    Average Salary: $51,167
    Dougherty Dental is known for its commitment to quality dentistry. Dental Assistants work in a friendly setting across multiple San Diego locations, supporting the dental care team and helping patients feel at ease.

There are 9,202 Dental Assistant job openings nationwide!

How's the job market for a Dental Assistant in the US?

Learn what a Dental Assistant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Dental Assistant today.
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Dental Assistant
9,202 Job Openings
Understanding the Dental Assistant Role & How to Become One | ReadySetHire