Dental Assistant salary: how much do assistants make?
As of 2025, the median dental assistant in the U.S. earns $48,070 ($23.11/hr).
BLS OEWS May 2025 for dental assistant (SOC 31-9091): verified national median $48,070/yr ($23.11/hr median), mean $50,200, employment ≈ 387,790. Most assistants are paid hourly.
Pay over time: 2024 → 2026
2024 and 2025 are BLS OEWS actuals; 2026 is a modeled projection (never labeled verified). See the 2026 dental pay outlook →
What does a assistant earn where you are?
Pick a state and metro for a local estimate, and see how it compares to the national median.
A clearly-labeled local estimate — the verified national benchmark adjusted for location. Open the full calculator to add experience, setting, and your offer.
Pay distribution
Full dental assistant wage distribution. Values marked “est.” are interpolated between published percentiles.
| Percentile | Annual pay | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentilei | $37,130 | $17.85/hr |
| 25th percentilei | $44,340 | $21.32/hr |
| Median (50th)i | $48,070 | $23.11/hr |
| 75th percentilei | $58,090 | $27.93/hr |
| 90th percentilei | $62,250 | $29.93/hr |
| Mean (average)i | $50,200 | $24.13/hr |
What drives assistant pay
- Hourly rate and weekly hours
- Expanded-function/radiography certification (EFDA, X-ray)
- Geographic cost of labor
- Specialty practice (oral surgery and ortho assistants often earn more)
- Years of experience
About the role
Dental assistants ready treatment rooms, assist chairside, take radiographs where licensed, manage infection control, and handle some scheduling and records. Most are paid hourly, so hourly pay is the primary benchmark for the role.
Career path
- On-the-job training or accredited program + state requirements
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) / expanded-function credentials
- Lead/expanded-function assistant, office coordinator, or hygiene school
Typical responsibilities
- Prepare and break down treatment rooms
- Sterilize and lay out instruments
- Assist the dentist chairside during procedures
- Take dental radiographs where licensed
- Manage infection control and some records/scheduling
Dental Assistant salary by state
Top modeled estimates. See all states →
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make?
The median dental assistant earns $48,070 ($23.11/hr) per the latest data.
What is the 2026 dental assistant salary estimate?
About $50,000 in 2026 — a modeled projection of the verified 2025 figure ($48,070). The 2026 figure is an estimate, not a verified value.
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