Position
Salary

How much does a Dental Assistant make?

The average salary for a Dental Assistant is $45,928 per year in the US.

Dental Assistants play a vital role in the dental office. They help dentists and hygienists during procedures. It’s a rewarding job. The average yearly salary for a Dental Assistant is $45,928. This means they earn about $22 per hour.

The salary can vary based on experience and location. Many Dental Assistants start with a lower salary. As they gain more experience, they can earn more. Here are the salary ranges based on experience:

  • First 10% earn about $32,000
  • Next 9.44% earn around $35,091
  • Next 12.71% earn about $38,182
  • Next 16.24% earn around $41,273
  • Next 14.73% earn about $44,364
  • Next 13.24% earn around $47,455
  • Next 7.92% earn about $50,545
  • Next 6.55% earn around $53,636
  • Next 3.05% earn about $56,727
  • Next 3.32% earn around $59,818
  • Top 2.31% earn about $62,909 and up

Job seekers can find good opportunities in this field. With training and experience, a Dental Assistant can look forward to a stable and potentially rewarding career.

View Dental Assistant jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Assistant?

Job seekers looking for top-paying roles as Dental Assistants should consider cities like Minneapolis and San Francisco. In Minneapolis, Dental Assistants earn an average salary of $61,706 per year, while in San Francisco, the average salary is $61,097. Other cities with competitive salaries include Rochester, Seattle, and Manchester, all offering annual salaries over $56,000. Exploring these cities could lead to better financial opportunities. For instance, Dental Assistants in Rochester earn around $57,913 annually, and those in Seattle earn $57,717. Manchester provides a salary of $56,629, showing these locations are attractive for professionals in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Dental Assistant jobs, highlighting Minneapolis, MN with the highest at $61,706 and Boston, MA with the lowest at $55,598.
  1. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $61,706
    In Minneapolis, dental assistants find work in various dental practices. Many professionals work in well-known clinics like Park Nicollet and All Smiles Dental Care. Job opportunities often include good benefits and a supportive work environment.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $61,097
    Working as a dental assistant in San Francisco offers the chance to be part of leading dental firms. Companies like San Francisco Smile Studio and the Dental Wellness Center provide modern facilities and a chance to work with top-notch technology.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $57,913
    Rochester boasts several prominent dental practices where assistants can find rewarding positions. Working here means you can join well-established clinics like Mayo Clinic Dental Services, which are known for their patient care and technology.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $57,717
    In Seattle, dental assistants join a bustling dental community. They work in cutting-edge practices such as Seattle Smile Design and North Seattle Dental Care. The city’s vibrant culture offers a dynamic work environment.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $56,629
    Manchester is home to many reputable dental clinics where assistants thrive. At places like Manchester Dental Group and Greater New Hampshire Dental Associates, professionals gain experience with a variety of dental procedures.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Manchester, NH


  6. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $56,471
    Santa Rosa offers a friendly work atmosphere for dental assistants. Many work at well-regarded clinics like Sonoma County Dental Group and Redwood Family Dental. The city's small-town feel complements a pleasant work environment.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  7. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $56,267
    Portland provides a unique mix of work and lifestyle for dental assistants. They join practices like Portland Dental Wellness and River Dental Group, which emphasize patient care and advanced dental practices.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Portland, OR


  8. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $56,116
    In Bend, dental assistants enjoy working in a welcoming community. They can find positions in well-established practices such as Bend Dental Group and The Dentist Bend. The area's natural beauty adds to the quality of life.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Bend, OR


  9. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $56,108
    San Jose offers many opportunities for dental assistants in both urban and suburban settings. Professionals work at clinics like San Jose Smile Studio and The Dentist San Jose, which utilize modern technology and practices.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  10. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $55,598
    Boston’s rich history and vibrant culture provide a dynamic work environment for dental assistants. They join prestigious dental practices such as Boston Dental Group and Tufts Dental Faculty. The city’s educational institutions offer continual learning opportunities.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Boston, MA

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

Finding a high-paying dental assistant job can lead to a rewarding career. La Clínica pays the highest average salary at $70,033. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking good pay. Other top-paying companies include Health Pros North West and San Ysidro Health, both offering competitive wages. Job seekers should look into these companies for potential career advancement. Neighborhood Healthcare, Willamette Dental, and Dental Connections also offer strong salaries, making them good options. These companies value their dental assistants and provide good financial rewards.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Dental Assistant jobs, highlighting La Clínica with the highest at $70,033 and Community Dental Care with the lowest at $62,706.
  1. La Clínica
    Average Salary: $70,033
    La Clínica offers rewarding Dental Assistant positions with competitive salaries. They operate various locations in California. Their clinics provide a friendly work environment with a focus on community health.


  2. Health Pros North West
    Average Salary: $69,269
    Health Pros North West is a top choice for Dental Assistants looking for good pay and career growth. They have offices in Washington and Oregon. This company values teamwork and professional development.


  3. San Ysidro Health
    Average Salary: $64,841
    San Ysidro Health provides excellent opportunities for Dental Assistants in Southern California. Their work emphasizes patient care and health education. They offer a supportive environment for career advancement.


  4. Neighborhood Healthcare
    Average Salary: $64,244
    Neighborhood Healthcare offers competitive salaries for Dental Assistants in Southern California. They focus on providing high-quality care in a community-oriented setting. Their locations are conveniently spread across the region.


  5. Willamette Dental
    Average Salary: $63,737
    Willamette Dental provides rewarding positions for Dental Assistants in Oregon. They are known for their supportive staff and commitment to patient care. Locations are conveniently spread throughout the state.


  6. Dental Connections
    Average Salary: $63,682
    Dental Connections offers competitive Dental Assistant salaries in Oregon and Washington. They emphasize teamwork and professional growth. Their offices are well-equipped, and they provide ongoing training.


  7. Oregon Health & Science University
    Average Salary: $63,585
    Oregon Health & Science University provides excellent opportunities for Dental Assistants in Oregon. They focus on research and patient care. They offer a dynamic work environment with many learning opportunities.


  8. Studio Z Dental
    Average Salary: $63,333
    Studio Z Dental offers good pay for Dental Assistants in Oregon. They value a friendly work environment and patient care. They have convenient locations throughout the state.


  9. Federal Bureau of Prisons
    Average Salary: $62,934
    The Federal Bureau of Prisons offers rewarding opportunities for Dental Assistants across the country. They provide competitive salaries and a supportive work environment. This is a great choice for those seeking federal employment.


  10. Community Dental Care
    Average Salary: $62,706
    Community Dental Care provides good pay for Dental Assistants in Washington. They focus on patient care and community service. Their offices are well-equipped, and they offer a supportive work environment.

How to earn more as a Dental Assistant?

Becoming a Dental Assistant opens many career paths. Earning more requires dedication and skill. Consider these key factors to increase your earning potential.

First, gaining certifications can make a big difference. Dental assistants with specialized certifications often earn more. Certifications in areas like radiology or infection control can set you apart. They show that you have extra skills and knowledge. This makes you more valuable to employers.

Second, seeking additional training is also important. Many dental assistants take courses in advanced procedures. These courses can lead to higher-paying jobs. Learning new techniques can help you do your job better. This often leads to higher pay.

Look for opportunities to advance in your career. Moving into a lead role can increase your salary. Lead dental assistants oversee other staff. They also manage patient care. This higher level of responsibility often comes with higher pay.

  1. Get certified: Certifications in radiology or infection control can increase pay.
  2. Take extra training: Courses in advanced procedures can lead to higher-paying jobs.
  3. Advance in your career: Moving into a lead role can increase salary and responsibilities.
  4. Consider specialty areas: Working in high-demand areas can lead to higher pay.
  5. Gain experience: More experience can lead to higher positions and salaries.

In summary, earning more as a Dental Assistant involves gaining certifications, taking extra training, and advancing in your career. Consider these steps to increase your earning potential today.

Currently 6,711 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.
Position
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Dental Assistant
6,711 Job Openings