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
$48,070
$4,006/mo
Entry Level
$33,900
starting pay
Senior Level
$54,600
experienced
Job Growth
+7%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Dental Assistants (SOC 31-9091) at a national median of $48,070 per year (mean $50,200), or $23.11 per hour, with 387,790 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
388K
5-Year Growth
+7%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$23.11/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,006
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
$48,000
$4,000/month · $1,846/biweekly · $23.08/hr
Dental Assistant Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Dental Assistant field.
Entry-level Dental Assistants earn around $33,900, while the top 10% earn $61,150 or more.
Top Paying States for Dental Assistants
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $57,000 | +$8,930 |
| New York | $55,000 | +$6,930 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,000 | $-70 |
| Texas | $47,000 | $-1,070 |
| Florida | $47,000 | $-1,070 |
Top Paying Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $57,000 | +$8,930 |
| Los Angeles | $54,000 | +$5,930 |
| Miami | $49,000 | +$930 |
| Philadelphia | $49,000 | +$930 |
| Houston | $48,000 | $-70 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Dental Assistant Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Dental Assistant from entry level to expert.
$33,900
0-2 years
$44,000
3-7 years
$54,600
8-14 years
$67,700
15+ years
Related Healthcare Jobs
Dental Assistant Salary FAQ
How much does a Dental Assistant make in 2026?
The median salary for a Dental Assistant in the United States is $48,070 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Dental Assistants (SOC 31-9091); the mean is $50,200. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $33,900, senior professionals around $54,600, and top earners at $67,700 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Dental Assistant?
A Dental Assistant typically requires a Certificate with 0-1 year of experience. Key skills include Chair-Side Assistance, X-Rays, Sterilization. Relevant certifications such as CDA or RDA can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Dental Assistants?
The job market for Dental Assistants is projected to grow by 7% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 388K Dental Assistant positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 7%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Dental Assistants the most?
The highest-paying states for Dental Assistants include California, Texas, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $57,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Dental Assistant salary?
To increase your Dental Assistant salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Chair-Side Assistance and X-Rays. Pursue certifications such as CDA. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-1 year of experience, you can progress from $33,900 to $54,600 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Dental Assistant Salary
How we calculate Dental Assistant salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Dental Assistants (SOC 31-9091), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $48,070, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Dental Assistants; BLS mean $50,200; BLS hourly median $23.11.
- Entry-level ($33,900) and senior-level ($54,600) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +7% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 387,790 Dental Assistants jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 7% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Healthcare sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Certificate, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $48,070; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Dental Assistant compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Assistant job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Dental Assistant salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Chair-Side Assistance, X-Rays, Sterilization), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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