Dental Assistant Salary in 2026
Dental assistants support dentists during procedures, preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, taking X-rays, and assisting with patient care. They also manage patient records.
Median Salary
$44,000
$3,667/mo
Entry Level
$31,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$50,000
experienced
Job Growth
+7%
10-yr outlook
Dental Assistant Overview
Dental assistants support dentists during procedures, preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, taking X-rays, and assisting with patient care. They also manage patient records.
Education
Certificate
Experience
0-1 year
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
370K
5-Year Growth
+7%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$21.15/hr
Monthly Pay
$3,667
Dental Assistant Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Dental Assistant salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Dental Assistant Salary
$44,000
$3,667/month · $1,692/biweekly · $21.15/hr
Dental Assistant Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Dental Assistant field.
Entry-level Dental Assistants earn around $31,000, while the top 10% earn $56,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Dental Assistants
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $52,000 | +$8,000 |
| New York | $51,000 | +$7,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $44,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $43,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $43,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $52,000 | +$8,000 |
| Los Angeles | $49,000 | +$5,000 |
| Miami | $45,000 | +$1,000 |
| Philadelphia | $45,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $44,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Dental Assistant Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Dental Assistant from entry level to expert.
$31,000
0-2 years
$41,000
3-7 years
$50,000
8-14 years
$62,000
15+ years
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Dental Assistant Salary FAQ
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