Dental Assistant Salary in the U.S
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental assistants in the United States make a median annual salary of $41,180 per year or $19.80 per hour.
Dental assistants provide patient care and chair-side support during dental exams and procedures, from simple cleanings to complicated root canals. The work combines technical, administrative, and people skills, and it's an essential piece of a well-run dental office.
While the job occasionally includes more independent work, like teeth polishing or explaining proper dental hygiene, it more often requires the assistant to work in tandem with the practicing dentist or dental hygienist. For more detailed information on becoming a dental assistant, be sure to check out our How to Become a Dental Assistant Guide.
What Is the Salary of a Dental Assistant?
According to the BLS, the average salary across occupations in the U.S. was $56,310 in 2020. A dental assistant salary is less than this, at $42,310, per year.
While the difference between the average salary nationwide and the average salary for dental hygienists may seem significant, there are external factors to consider when deciding whether or not this is the career path for you. The biggest is that dental assistants don't need a college degree or medical license. This means that most dental assistants don't enter the workforce with mounting debt, and they have more flexibility with their income.
Becoming a dental assistant is an excellent way to pursue a path in the medical field without the time and monetary commitment of years of schooling. It's also a great career path for those looking for job stability and the ability to help others.
Dental Assistant Salary Per State
Texas
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Salary Changes Per Dentistry Career Path
- Less than 1 year of experience: $13.97/hour or $29,057/year
- 1-4 years of experience: $15.25/hour or $31,720/year
- 5-9 years of experience: $17.68/hour or $36,774/year
- 10-19 years of experience: $19.18/hour or $39,894/year
- 20+ years of experience: $20/hour or $41,600/year
- Less than 1 year of experience: $14.47/hour or $30,097/year
- 1-4 years of experience: $16.31/hour or $33,924/year
- 5-9 years of experience: $18.11/hour or $37,668/year
- 10-19 years of experience: $19.76/hour or $41,400/year
- 20+ years of experience: $22/hour or $45,760/year
- Less than 1 year of experience: $14.39/hour or $29,931/year
- 1-4 years of experience: $16.89/hour or $34,944/year
- 5-9 years of experience: $19.68/hour or $40,934/year
- 10-19 years of experience: $21.10/hour or $43,888/year
- 20+ years of experience: $23/hour or $47,840/year
- Less than 1 year of experience: $31.28/hour or $65,062/year
- 1-4 years of experience: $33.50/hour or $69,680/year
- 5-9 years of experience: $35.80/hour or $74,464/year
- 10-19 years of experience: $36.33/hour or $75,566/year
- 20+ years of experience: $36/hour or $74,880/year
- Less than 1 year of experience: $120,659/year
- 1-4 years of experience: $128,979/year
- 5-9 years of experience: $139,443/year
- 10-19 years of experience: $152,267/year
- 20+ years of experience: $156,314/year
Dental office manager
A dental office manager runs the entire dentist's office, working with the dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants to ensure patients receive optimal care.
Dental products salesperson
Dental product manufacturers and distributors almost always employ dental assistants on their sales teams, as the assistants have in-depth knowledge of how an office runs, oral health, and useful products.
Dental insurance officer
The dental insurance industry is a popular job path for dental assistants looking for work away from the chair. A more business-focused positions, dental insurance officers typically process dental insurance claims, verifying that the patient had work done and it qualified for coverage.
Dental Assistant Career Opportunities and Job Growth
The BLS projects that the number of open dental assistant positions will rise by 7% between 2019 and 2029. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all industries, which lies at 4%. With 23,400 new positions set to open by 2029, anyone looking to enter the dental assistant field will likely be able to find a job with plenty of opportunities to advance.
The top states for dental assistant job potential are:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
And the cities that currently employ the most dental assistants include:
- Los Angeles, CA
- New York, NY
- Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Benefits of Becoming a Dental Assistant
Other perks that draw people to the field other than dental assistant salary include:
It's important to note that dental assistants who hold a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification are more likely to earn benefits than those who do not. So be sure to ask about the benefits given to a potential position during an interview process.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Dental Assistant?
Typically, dental assistants attend a certificate program at a community college or technical school. However, some dental assistants skip the classroom, opting for an externship, which allows them to learn the skills necessary for the job in a more hands-on manner.
After a few years in the field, many dental assistants return to school to obtain a more advanced degree, though this is not required. Overall, the education portion of becoming a dental assistant can cost anywhere between $0 and several thousand, depending on what route you take.
Licensure requirements vary by state. Find out your required license by contacting your state’s dental board or visiting the Dental Assistant National Board’s (DANB) website. Generally, students must pass the DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant examination, which costs $450.
If cost is an issue for you, federal aid options can help you break into the trade.
Salaries for Related Jobs
The dental assistant salary is good, given the minimal education requirements and low cost of entry, but consider these related jobs if dental assisting might not be for you:
Medical Assistant
- Average salary: $36,930
- Education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and a postsecondary non-degree award
Surgical Technologist
- Average salary: $49,040
- Education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and a certificate from an accredited program
Nursing Assistant
- Average salary: $32,050
- Education requirements: Varies by state, but usually includes high school diploma or equivalent, and a state-approved training program
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