Dental Assistant Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on Mar 08, 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 $48,764 per year in San Diego, CA.

In San Diego, CA, Dental Assistants earn competitive salaries. The average yearly salary for this role is approximately $48,764. Salaries in the field vary based on experience and specific skills. Entry-level positions start at around $38,000, while those with more experience can earn up to $60,660 annually.


The salary distribution shows that a significant portion of Dental Assistants, about 14.4%, earns between $48,300 and $52,420. Another 14.4% makes between $44,180 and $48,300. This range indicates good earning potential as you build your skills and experience.


Overall, pursuing a career as a Dental Assistant in San Diego offers strong financial rewards, providing a promising path for job seekers in this industry.

View Dental Assistant Jobs in San Diego, CA

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

Dental Assistants in the San Diego area can find some of the highest salaries in cities like Solana Beach, where the average pay reaches $54,166. Nearby Coronado and Ramona also offer strong compensation at $51,077 and $50,514, respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those looking to advance in their dental careers while enjoying the beautiful Southern California lifestyle.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Dental Assistant jobs near San Diego, CA, highlighting Solana Beach, CA with the highest at $54,166 and National City, CA with the lowest at $47,711.
  1. Solana Beach, CA
    Average Salary: $54,166
    Working in Solana Beach offers a unique blend of professional growth and scenic views. You will engage with friendly patients while supporting local dental practices that enjoy a strong reputation.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Solana Beach, CA


  2. Coronado, CA
    Average Salary: $51,077
    In Coronado, you will work in an inviting environment that values community and patient care. Local dental offices are known for their excellent service, giving you the chance to contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Coronado, CA


  3. Ramona, CA
    Average Salary: $50,514
    Ramona provides a close-knit community where you can build lasting relationships with patients. Local dental practices prioritize teamwork, allowing you to grow your skills in a supportive setting.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Ramona, CA


  4. La Jolla, CA
    Average Salary: $49,852
    La Jolla features upscale dental practices that focus on top-notch patient care. As part of this vibrant community, you will have the chance to work with advanced technology in a beautiful coastal setting.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in La Jolla, CA


  5. Alpine, CA
    Average Salary: $49,591
    Working in Alpine allows you to be part of a friendly community that values health and wellness. Local dental offices often promote preventive care, giving you the opportunity to educate patients in a meaningful way.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Alpine, CA


  6. San Ysidro, CA
    Average Salary: $49,422
    In San Ysidro, you will work in a diverse community that appreciates accessible dental care. You can make a real impact in patients' lives while collaborating with talented professionals.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in San Ysidro, CA


  7. Poway, CA
    Average Salary: $49,288
    Poway offers a supportive environment where you can advance your career in the dental field. Local dental offices emphasize patient relationships, making your role vital in delivering quality care.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Poway, CA


  8. Del Mar, CA
    Average Salary: $48,919
    Del Mar boasts a stunning coastal location that enhances your work experience. Local dental practices here often feature modern facilities, allowing you to deliver exceptional care in a pleasant setting.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Del Mar, CA


  9. Lakeside, CA
    Average Salary: $47,745
    In Lakeside, you will find a mix of friendly patients and dedicated professionals. The local dental community is tight-knit, focusing on teamwork and quality service.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Lakeside, CA


  10. National City, CA
    Average Salary: $47,711
    Working in National City gives you access to a diverse patient base. Local dental offices pride themselves on inclusivity, allowing you to make a positive impact on individuals from all walks of life.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in National City, CA

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

In San Diego, several companies offer competitive salaries for Dental Assistant positions. The US Department of Veterans Affairs leads the way with an average salary of $61,190, followed closely by Gen4 Dental at $59,333. These companies, along with others like Little Smile Co. and Bold Smiles Dental, provide excellent financial opportunities for professionals in the dental 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 Dental Express with the lowest at $50,429.
  1. US Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $61,190
    The US Department of Veterans Affairs offers dental assistant positions that focus on providing excellent care to veterans. Locations in San Diego, including the La Jolla Veterans Affairs Medical Center, provide a supportive work environment with strong benefits.


  2. Gen4 Dental
    Average Salary: $59,333
    Gen4 Dental is known for its emphasis on patient-centered care. As a dental assistant here, you will engage with patients in a friendly atmosphere at locations across San Diego, ensuring they receive top-notch dental services.


  3. Little Smile Co. Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
    Average Salary: $55,400
    Little Smile Co. focuses on pediatric dental care. Dental assistants at this company work with children and their families in a fun, caring environment at their San Diego locations, promoting healthy dental habits.


  4. Bold Smiles Dental
    Average Salary: $53,200
    At Bold Smiles Dental, dental assistants help create a positive experience for patients. This company operates in various neighborhoods in San Diego, bringing accessible and high-quality dental care to the community.


  5. LIGHTHOUSE DENTAL
    Average Salary: $52,667
    LIGHTHOUSE DENTAL offers dental assistants a chance to work in a warm and welcoming environment. Located in San Diego, the team focuses on providing comprehensive services while forming meaningful relationships with patients.


  6. Bay View Dental
    Average Salary: $52,500
    Bay View Dental is committed to patient education and comfort. Dental assistants will play a vital role in this mission at their San Diego locations, ensuring patients receive personalized care during their visits.


  7. Torrey Del Mar Dentistry
    Average Salary: $52,000
    Torrey Del Mar Dentistry reflects professionalism and care. As a dental assistant, you will work closely with a team dedicated to providing exceptional dental services in a state-of-the-art facility in San Diego.


  8. smile plus dentistry
    Average Salary: $51,222
    smile plus dentistry is known for its friendly staff and patient-first approach. Dental assistants here engage with patients to ensure comfort and satisfaction in their San Diego clinics, creating a positive office atmosphere.


  9. Dougherty Dental
    Average Salary: $51,167
    Dougherty Dental prioritizes patient experience, and dental assistants play a crucial role. Working in their San Diego office, you will support the dental team in delivering quality care to patients of all ages.


  10. Dental Express
    Average Salary: $50,429
    Dental Express offers a fast-paced work environment for dental assistants in San Diego. With a focus on efficiency and patient satisfaction, you will contribute to helping patients achieve their dental goals.

There are 8,895 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
8,895 Job Openings
Understanding the Dental Assistant Role & How to Become One | ReadySetHire