How Much Do Dental Assistants Make?

Median Average Salary

Dental assistants have a median salary of $40,000 a year. The high end can reach up to $48,000, and the low end can be $31,000.

In some states, the dental assistant job position does not require any formal education beyond a high school diploma. It is a job that requires attention to detail and great interpersonal skills. The dental assistant usually helps the oral doctor perform procedures by handing them tools, keeping the area clean and organized, and prepping the patient.

Since dental assistants do not require any formal schooling, the pay structure for this job position is lower than dental hygienists. However, even at an hourly rate, dental assistants make a good amount of money for the requirements and demands of the job.

Yearly Salaries by State

• Washington: $40,033
• Maryland: $39,524
• Nebraska: $38,699
• Virginia: $38,192
• New York: $38,147
• Delaware: $37,000
• New Hampshire: $36,904
• Oklahoma: $35,968
• California: $35,836
• Massachusetts: $35,351
• Vermont: $34,800
• Hawaii: $34,223
• Wyoming: $34,127
• Idaho: $33,684
• Connecticut: $33,279
• Maine: $33,240
• West Virginia: $33,153
• Rhode Island: $32,803
• Texas: $32,633
• Alaska: $32,609
• Pennsylvania: $32,591
• New Jersey: $32,407
• Montana: $32,369
• Nevada: $32,353
• North Dakota: $32,343
• Arizona: $32,035
• Indiana: $31,830
• Minnesota: $31,572
• Tennessee: $31,542
• Wisconsin: $31,404
• South Dakota: $31,398
• Ohio: $31,313
• Oregon: $30,912
• Utah: $30,910
• Georgia: $30,904
• Louisiana: $30,619
• South Carolina: $30,572
• Colorado: $30,456
• Kansas: $30,449
• Missouri: $30,257
• Alabama: $30,181
• Iowa: $30,148
• New Mexico: $29,838
• Florida: $29,127
• Kentucky: $29,109
• Arkansas: $28,595
• Michigan: $28,582
• Mississippi: $28,525
• Illinois: $28,439
• North Carolina : $26,052