Dental Assistant Salaries

Updated on Dec 17, 2024
Position
Salary

How much does a Dental Assistant make?

The average salary for a Dental Assistant is $44,558 per year in the US.

Dental Assistants play a key role in dental offices, and their earnings reflect their importance. The average yearly salary for a Dental Assistant is about $44,558. However, salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the specific duties involved in the job.


For entry-level positions, Dental Assistants may earn around $31,850. As they gain more experience, earnings can rise significantly. For example, those with several years of experience can make higher salaries, reaching $64,000 for more advanced roles.


The salary distribution shows that many Dental Assistants earn between $40,000 and $60,000. This range includes about 16.2% earning around $43,541 and 9% earning $46,464. As you continue to build your skills and knowledge, you can work towards those higher salaries.


Continuously learning and improving in your role can open up more opportunities. Overall, pursuing a career as a Dental Assistant offers a rewarding salary that can increase with experience and dedication.

View Dental Assistant Jobs Nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Assistant?

Dental assistants can find some of the highest salaries in cities like San Francisco, CA, where the average salary reaches $58,096. Other cities such as Manchester, NH, and Minneapolis, MN, also offer competitive pay at around $55,020 and $54,766, respectively. These cities not only provide great earning potential but also contribute to a rewarding career in dental assisting.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Dental Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $58,096 and Boston, MA with the lowest at $51,920.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $58,096
    Working in San Francisco as a dental professional offers a unique experience. The city is home to many esteemed dental practices, and you can expect to interact with a diverse patient population.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $55,020
    In Manchester, you will find a supportive community for dental services. Local dental offices appreciate the importance of teamwork, making it a great place to grow your skills in patient care.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Manchester, NH


  3. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $54,766
    Minneapolis showcases a vibrant healthcare scene. As a dental professional here, you can work alongside experienced teams in well-established practices and contribute to improving community health.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $54,470
    Seattle’s healthcare industry continues to expand, creating many opportunities for dental roles. You will benefit from a progressive working environment while helping patients in a beautiful and bustling city.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $54,406
    San Jose offers a fast-paced environment for those in dental careers. With many high-tech companies around, dental practices here often innovate to provide the best care possible for patients.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $53,918
    In Santa Rosa, you can enjoy a friendly atmosphere working in dental offices. The local practices value each team member's contributions, allowing you to develop professionally in a supportive setting.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  7. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $53,646
    Rochester is known for its excellent healthcare facilities, including dental practices. You will have the chance to work with talented professionals and continue learning in a reputable environment.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN


  8. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $53,020
    Hartford provides ample opportunities in the dental field. Local practitioners emphasize high-quality patient care, which allows you to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Hartford, CT


  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $52,495
    Portland offers a unique blend of modern dental practices and a focus on patient wellness. You can expect to find a balance between professional growth and life in a city known for its creativity.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Portland, OR


  10. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $51,920
    Working in Boston gives you access to leading dental practices and educational institutions. The city encourages continuous learning, making it an exciting place to build your dental career.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Boston, MA

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

For Dental Assistants seeking the best salaries, several companies stand out. The Medical University of South Carolina offers the highest average salary at $145,604, followed closely by Medrina with an average of $135,571. Other notable employers include Matrix Providers and The Dental A Team, with average salaries of $114,724 and $103,041, respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Dental Assistant jobs, highlighting Medical University of South Carolina with the highest at $145,604 and The University of Michigan with the lowest at $70,158.
  1. Medical University of South Carolina
    Average Salary: $145,604
    The Medical University of South Carolina offers a strong salary for Dental Assistants. Working here involves assisting with dental procedures and providing patient education. The main campus is located in Charleston, South Carolina.


  2. Medrina
    Average Salary: $135,571
    At Medrina, Dental Assistants enjoy a competitive salary while contributing to patients' oral health. This company operates in various locations and focuses on ensuring excellent patient care and support.


  3. Matrix Providers
    Average Salary: $114,724
    Matrix Providers values its Dental Assistants by offering attractive salaries. The role includes assisting in dental clinics that serve military and veteran families across the United States.


  4. The Dental A Team
    Average Salary: $103,041
    The Dental A Team provides an excellent salary for Dental Assistants. Employees help in delivering quality dental services and managing patient needs at multiple locations.


  5. Gainwell Technologies LLC
    Average Salary: $79,625
    Gainwell Technologies LLC offers a good salary for Dental Assistants. Working in this company allows professionals to support dental operations in a more tech-driven environment.


  6. Interim HealthCare
    Average Salary: $78,500
    Interim HealthCare provides Dental Assistants with a stable salary. The role typically involves assisting dental professionals in various healthcare settings and emphasizes patient interaction.


  7. Bensonhurst Dental
    Average Salary: $77,500
    Bensonhurst Dental offers competitive salaries for Dental Assistants who work in a busy dental office. The team focuses on providing thorough dental care in the Bensonhurst area of Brooklyn, New York.


  8. North Spring Behavioral Healthcare
    Average Salary: $77,444
    North Spring Behavioral Healthcare offers a strong salary to its Dental Assistants. Professionals here assist in providing dental services to patients in a mental health setting.


  9. Total Health Dental Care
    Average Salary: $72,769
    Total Health Dental Care values its Dental Assistants with a solid salary. The company focuses on comprehensive dental care and has locations that serve diverse communities.


  10. The University of Michigan
    Average Salary: $70,158
    The University of Michigan provides Dental Assistants with a respectable salary. Working in the university hospital, professionals assist in various dental care practices and education.

How to earn more as a Dental Assistant?

To earn more as a Dental Assistant, focus on these key factors:
  1. Gain Certification: Obtain certification from recognized programs. Certification shows your skills and dedication, which can lead to higher pay.
  2. Expand Skills: Learn new procedures and technologies. Being skilled in various dental tasks can make you more valuable to employers.
  3. Seek Specialization: Consider specializing in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery. Specialized skills often come with increased wages.
  4. Network Professionally: Build connections within the industry. Networking can lead to job opportunities and recommendations that may offer higher salaries.
  5. Look for Experience: Gain experience through internships or part-time positions. More experience typically results in better pay and job offers.
By focusing on these factors, you can improve your earning potential as a Dental Assistant and advance your career.

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Currently 11,050 Dental Assistant job openings, nationwide!

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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.
Position
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Dental Assistant
11,050 Job Openings