Salary Outlook
Pay scale for dental assistants ranges from approximately $23,080 to approximately $47,420. The average assistant earned around $34,000 in 2011. Those with the highest salaries live in the metropolitan areas of Manchester, N.H., San Francisco, and Barnstable Town, in Massachusetts.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $27,940.00 |
| 2004 | $29,060.00 |
| 2006 | $30,820.00 |
| 2008 | $33,130.00 |
| 2010 | $34,080.00 |
Average Dental Assistant Pay vs. All Healthcare Jobs
Considering that almost two in five dental assistants worked part-time in 2010 (according to the Labor Department), they’re making a comfortable salary. But, in comparison, many dental hygienists also work part-time and make more than $65,000 per year. Earning around $20,000, home health aides make less money. Pharmacy technicians and medical assistants also tend to make a little less than the average dental assistant.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Dentist | $142,740.00 |
| Dental Hygienist | $69,280.00 |
| Dental Assistant | $34,140.00 |
| Medical Assistant | $29,100.00 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $28,940.00 |
| Home Health Aide | $20,610.00 |
See Complete List of Best Healthcare Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Dental Assistants
The highest paid in the dental assistant profession work in the metropolitan areas of Manchester, NH, San Francisco, CA, and Barnstable Town, MA. The Anchorage, AK area also pays well, as does the city of Minneapolis, MN.
Manchester, NH
Average Salary: $46,540 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a dental assistant working in Manchester, NH is $46,540, which is $12,400 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $46,050 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a dental assistant working in San Francisco, CA is $46,050, which is $11,910 more than the average pay in the profession.
Barnstable Town, MA
Average Salary: $45,410 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a dental assistant working in Barnstable Town, MA is $45,410, which is $11,270 more than the average pay in the profession.
Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $44,680 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a dental assistant working in Anchorage, AK is $44,680, which is $10,540 more than the average pay in the profession.
Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $44,470 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a dental assistant working in Minneapolis, MN is $44,470, which is $10,330 more than the average pay in the profession.
