Dental assistants in the United States typically earn between $17 and $30 per hour, with averages varying based on location, experience, certification, and type of practice.
- The average hourly wage for dental assistants is around $22.81, according to Indeed
, while other sources report averages closer to $17.69 per hour
- Certified dental assistants earn about 15% more than non-certified ones, with median hourly pay around $26 compared to $22.50 for non-certified assistants
- Annual median salaries are approximately $47,300 nationwide, with variation by state. For example, dental assistants in California earn an average of about $52,470 annually ($25.23/hour)
- Salaries range broadly: the 10th percentile earns about $36,190 annually, while the top 10% can earn upwards of $61,780 or more
- Geographic location significantly influences pay, with states like Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Alaska offering higher median salaries compared to states like Utah or Louisiana
In summary, dental assistants make roughly $17 to $30 per hour, translating to median annual salaries near $47,000, with higher wages for certified assistants and those working in high-demand or high-cost areas
