How much does a Dental Assistant make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Assistant?

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.



