Dental Assistant Salaries

Updated on Jan 08, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Dental Assistant make?

The average salary for a Dental Assistant is $44,727 per year in the US.

Dental Assistants play an important role in dental offices, and their salaries reflect that value. The average yearly salary for a Dental Assistant is around $44,727. As professionals gain more experience, they often see their earnings increase significantly.


Entry-level positions may start around $32,000, while more experienced Dental Assistants can earn salaries as high as $64,000. On the salary scale, around 5.5% of Dental Assistants earn about $32,000, and salaries steadily rise with experience.


For instance, those with a bit more experience may earn approximately $35,000, while mid-level professionals can make around $40,000 to $43,000. The highest earners often take home more than $61,000 a year. As you can see, this profession offers a clear path for career growth and financial benefits.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Assistant?

San Francisco, CA stands out as the highest-paying city for Dental Assistants, with an average salary of $58,349. Close behind are Manchester, NH and Minneapolis, MN, offering average salaries of $55,266 and $55,239, respectively. These cities provide great opportunities for those seeking a rewarding career in dental assisting.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Dental Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $58,349 and Bend, OR with the lowest at $52,179.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $58,349
    Working in the dental field in San Francisco offers great opportunities. The city has numerous dental clinics and advanced practices, including well-known establishments like One Medical and UCSF Dental Center.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $55,266
    In Manchester, the dental industry is growing. Several local dental offices provide a friendly work environment, making it easier to build relationships with patients and staff.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Manchester, NH


  3. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $55,239
    Minneapolis boasts a vibrant dental scene with reputable clinics like Minneapolis Dental and Dental Health Services. Professionals in this field enjoy working in a supportive community, contributing to excellent patient care.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $54,582
    Seattle is home to many top-tier dental practices, including Eastside Dental and Seattle Smile Partners. Working here allows you to be part of a team that prioritizes innovation and patient comfort.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $54,408
    San Jose is a hub for dental opportunities with many modern clinics such as San Jose Dental Care. Professionals in this area often benefit from the city's tech-savvy environment.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $54,158
    In Santa Rosa, you will find a welcoming community in the dental profession. Many small practices focus on personalized care, allowing for strong patient interactions.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  7. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $53,306
    Hartford offers a solid job market for dental roles, with numerous practices like Connecticut Family Dental. The city helps professionals grow through close-knit teamwork.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Hartford, CT


  8. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $53,270
    Rochester, known for the Mayo Clinic, also has a range of dental facilities. Working here provides exposure to high standards in dental care and continued learning.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN


  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $52,812
    Portland has a flourishing dental scene, highlighted by practices like Dentistry for Kids and Eastside Dental. Working in this city means being part of a community committed to health and wellness.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Portland, OR


  10. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $52,179
    Bend's small-town feel and growth create opportunities for dental professionals. Clinics here emphasize patient relationships, making it a fulfilling place to work.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Bend, OR

What are the best companies a Dental Assistant can work for?

Some of the best-paying companies for Dental Assistant jobs include the Medical University of South Carolina, which offers an impressive average salary of $145,604. Other notable employers like Medrina and Matrix Providers provide competitive salaries of $135,000 and $112,927, respectively. Working for these organizations can significantly enhance your earning potential in the dental field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Dental Assistant jobs, highlighting Medical University of South Carolina with the highest at $145,604 and Total Health Dental Care with the lowest at $72,769.
  1. Medical University of South Carolina
    Average Salary: $145,604
    At the Medical University of South Carolina, Dental Assistants play a crucial role in patient care within a leading healthcare institution. The organization operates in Charleston and offers a collaborative environment focused on professional growth.


  2. Medrina
    Average Salary: $135,000
    Medrina specializes in patient-centered dental care, providing Dental Assistants with opportunities to work in a supportive team. The company operates in various locations, emphasizing quality care and employee training.


  3. Matrix Providers
    Average Salary: $112,927
    Matrix Providers employs Dental Assistants to support military and government healthcare services. Their positions are available across the United States, providing a unique chance to serve while advancing your career.


  4. The Dental A Team
    Average Salary: $103,328
    The Dental A Team is known for its innovative approach in dental care. They offer competitive salaries for Dental Assistants and operate in multiple states, delivering high-quality service to diverse communities.


  5. Gainwell Technologies LLC
    Average Salary: $82,927
    Gainwell Technologies LLC focuses on technology-driven healthcare solutions and employs Dental Assistants to support dental programs. The company offers roles in several states, fostering a tech-savvy work environment.


  6. State of Illinois
    Average Salary: $79,986
    As part of the State of Illinois, Dental Assistants contribute to public health initiatives. The state offers stable positions in various cities, ensuring quality dental care for residents.


  7. Meridian Behavioral Health
    Average Salary: $78,523
    Meridian Behavioral Health provides integrated care, employing Dental Assistants to support patients in a holistic environment. The organization operates in several locations, focusing on mental and dental well-being.


  8. North Spring Behavioral Healthcare
    Average Salary: $78,000
    North Spring Behavioral Healthcare values skilled Dental Assistants who contribute to patient care in a behavioral health setting. They offer positions in various regions, enhancing community health.


  9. Bensonhurst Dental
    Average Salary: $77,500
    Bensonhurst Dental aims for excellence in dental services and hires Dental Assistants to ensure patient satisfaction. Located in New York, they provide a warm and professional working atmosphere.


  10. Total Health Dental Care
    Average Salary: $72,769
    Total Health Dental Care is dedicated to comprehensive dental services, employing Dental Assistants who help deliver personalized patient care. They operate in multiple locations, focusing on community health and education.

How to earn more as a Dental Assistant?

To earn more as a Dental Assistant, focus on the following factors:
  1. Gain More Experience: Work in different dental offices or specialties. Each new experience can help you learn more and make you more valuable.
  2. Get Certified: Obtain certifications in areas like radiology or sedation. Certification can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities.
  3. Expand Your Skills: Learn new skills such as digital imaging or orthodontics. The more skills you have, the more tasks you can handle, leading to a potential pay increase.
  4. Network Effectively: Build connections with other dental professionals. Networking can open doors to higher-paying jobs or referral opportunities.
  5. Consider Your Location: Pay rates vary by region. Research areas where Dental Assistants earn more and consider relocation if possible.

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Currently 9,202 Dental Assistant job openings, nationwide!

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Position
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Dental Assistant
9,202 Job Openings