Dental assistants Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Dental assistants in the United States is $48,070 per year — about $23 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $44,340 and $58,090 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Dental assistants
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Mankato, MN | $61,010 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $72,370 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $61,000 |
| Rochester, MN | $63,450 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $59,390 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $57,770 |
| Bismarck, ND | $58,960 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $74,600 |
| Minot, ND | $57,770 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $56,940 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Dental assistants make in the US?
The median salary is $48,070 per year (about $23 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $44,340 and $58,090 a year.
How much do Dental assistants make per hour?
About $23 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $48,070 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Dental assistants?
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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