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How much does a Dental Assistant make?

The average salary for a Dental Assistant is $45,489 per year in the US.

A Dental Assistant plays a key role in the dental office, making sure that procedures run smoothly. The average yearly salary for a Dental Assistant stands at $45,489. This figure reflects the valuable skills and responsibilities these professionals handle daily.

Different experience levels impact earnings. For example, entry-level assistants may start around $32,000 per year. With more experience, the salary can rise significantly. Those with over a decade of experience can earn upwards of $56,000 per year. This range highlights the potential for growth and advancement in the field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Assistant?

Job seekers looking for top-paying dental assistant positions will find notable opportunities in several cities. San Francisco, CA, leads with an impressive average salary of $60,948. Other cities with strong salaries include Minneapolis, MN, and Seattle, WA. These cities offer competitive wages and valuable career prospects for dental assistants.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Dental Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $60,948 and Boston, MA with the lowest at $54,743.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $60,948
    San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for oral health professionals. Many top clinics like Aspen Dental and UnitedHealthcare value skilled assistants. Working here means joining a team committed to patient care and modern dental practices.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $60,703
    Minneapolis provides a welcoming setting for dental professionals. With Mayo Clinic and Park Nicollet Health Services, one can find ample opportunities. The city’s focus on healthcare excellence makes it a great place to grow professionally.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $56,746
    Seattle’s vibrant atmosphere is perfect for dental assistants. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and MultiCare offer excellent careers. The city's culture of innovation in healthcare supports continuous learning and development.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $56,740
    Rochester is known for its healthcare institutions, including the Mayo Clinic. This city provides many opportunities for dental assistants to work in cutting-edge facilities. The emphasis on quality care offers a fulfilling work experience.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN


  5. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $56,110
    Manchester offers a supportive environment for dental assistants. Employers like Catholic Medical Center and Concord Hospital provide stable jobs. The community’s focus on health services makes it ideal for those in the field.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Manchester, NH


  6. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $55,547
    In Bend, dental professionals enjoy a blend of outdoor beauty and professional growth. Companies such as Oregon Oral and Facial Surgery provide excellent career prospects. The area’s friendly atmosphere supports both work and personal life balance.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Bend, OR


  7. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $55,354
    Santa Rosa offers a mix of urban conveniences and natural beauty. With clinics like Kaiser Permanente, there are many chances for professional development. The area's commitment to healthcare excellence creates a rewarding work environment.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  8. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $55,226
    San Jose’s tech-driven environment offers unique opportunities for dental assistants. Companies like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente value skilled professionals. Working here means being part of a community that values both innovation and care.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $54,819
    Portland’s progressive outlook makes it a great place for dental assistants. With clinics like Kaiser Permanente and Providence Health & Services, professionals can thrive. The city’s dedication to healthcare excellence supports career growth.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Portland, OR


  10. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $54,743
    Boston offers a rich history and modern opportunities for dental professionals. Hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s provide top-notch jobs. The city’s emphasis on healthcare innovation makes it a vibrant place to work.
    Find Dental Assistant jobs in Boston, MA

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

Job seekers seeking top pay in dental assisting should consider Delaware Valley Community Health and Alameda Health System. These employers offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options. Delaware Valley Community Health tops the list with an average salary of $80,060. Delaware Valley Community Health, Alameda Health System, and CAMBAY CONSULTING provide excellent benefits and chances for growth. These companies support dental assistants in professional development and offer stable, rewarding work environments. Candidates can find promising careers with these employers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Dental Assistant jobs, highlighting Delaware Valley Community Health with the highest at $80,060 and SAC Health with the lowest at $61,811.
  1. Delaware Valley Community Health
    Average Salary: $80,060
    Delaware Valley Community Health offers rewarding roles for Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania. They focus on providing comprehensive care in multiple locations across the state. They look for candidates who are detail-oriented and ready to support dental professionals.


  2. Alameda Health System
    Average Salary: $74,415
    Alameda Health System provides Dental Assistants with excellent opportunities in California. They operate several dental clinics in the area. They value employees who can work well in a team and assist in a busy environment.


  3. CAMBAY CONSULTING
    Average Salary: $73,697
    CAMBAY CONSULTING offers high-paying positions for Dental Assistants across the United States. They help dental clinics improve their efficiency. They seek candidates who are reliable and can adapt to different work settings.


  4. La Clínica
    Average Salary: $68,793
    La Clínica is a nonprofit organization in California that offers rewarding Dental Assistant roles. They focus on providing care to underserved communities. They look for compassionate individuals who want to make a difference.


  5. Health Pros North West
    Average Salary: $67,696
    Health Pros North West offers competitive salaries for Dental Assistants in the Northwest. They operate several dental clinics in the region. They value teamwork and the ability to provide excellent patient care.


  6. King County, WA
    Average Salary: $62,226
    King County, WA, offers stable Dental Assistant positions with good benefits. They operate numerous dental facilities in the area. They seek candidates who can handle a fast-paced environment and are dedicated to patient care.


  7. Willamette Dental
    Average Salary: $62,186
    Willamette Dental provides Dental Assistants with good salaries in Oregon. They focus on high-quality dental care. They look for professionals who are organized and ready to support dental teams.


  8. The Dental Specialists
    Average Salary: $61,938
    The Dental Specialists offer rewarding Dental Assistant positions in various locations. They specialize in specialized dental care. They seek dedicated candidates who are passionate about patient outcomes.


  9. Studio Z Dental
    Average Salary: $61,857
    Studio Z Dental offers Dental Assistant positions with a friendly work environment. They operate several clinics in the Northwest. They look for candidates who can work well with others and provide excellent care.


  10. SAC Health
    Average Salary: $61,811
    SAC Health offers Dental Assistant roles that focus on community health. They operate in Southern California. They seek candidates who are committed to serving diverse communities.

How to earn more as a Dental Assistant?

A career as a Dental Assistant offers many opportunities to grow your earnings. By focusing on certain factors, you can significantly increase your income. Experience plays a key role in earning more. The more you work, the more skilled you become. This experience makes you more valuable to employers. As a result, they often offer higher wages.

Seeking additional certifications is another way to earn more. Certifications in areas such as dental radiography or infection control make you more qualified. These extra skills can lead to higher-paying positions. Some employers will also provide bonuses or higher pay for holding these certifications. Continuing education can also open up new job opportunities.

Consider these five factors to earn more as a Dental Assistant:

  • Experience: Gaining experience makes you more valuable.
  • Certifications: Additional skills can lead to higher pay.
  • Education: Higher levels of education can open up more job opportunities.
  • Location: Working in areas with higher living costs can mean higher wages.
  • Specialization: Specializing in areas like orthodontics can increase your earnings.

Currently 5,649 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
Overview
Dental Assistant
5,649 Job Openings