Dental Assistant Salary
Estimated Pay by Experience Level
Salary by State
Median annual| State | Median / yr | Relative pay |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $58,477 | |
| Washington | $56,890 | |
| Massachusetts | $56,610 | |
| Connecticut | $54,512 | |
| California | $54,024 | |
| Alaska | $53,965 | |
| New York | $52,269 | |
| Virginia | $51,791 | |
| National Median | $47,350 |
How to Become a Dental Assistant
Dental assistants support dentists with patient care, recordkeeping, and scheduling in dental offices.
Meet the education requirement
Most dental assistants enter the field with postsecondary certificate. Programs are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and universities.
Complete an accredited training program
Hands-on coursework and clinical or field experience prepare you for the work and for certification exams.
Earn the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
Most employers expect this credential — and in many states it's required to practice. Entry pay starts near $31,251 and rises toward $69,131 with experience.
Dental Assistant salary: common questions
How much does a Dental Assistant make an hour?
The median hourly wage for dental assistants is $22.76, which works out to about $47,350 per year for full-time work.
Which state pays dental assistants the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay for dental assistants at $58,477 per year — 23% above the national median of $47,350.
What is the salary range for dental assistants?
Most dental assistants earn between $31,251 and $69,131 per year. The middle 50% earn $38,354 to $58,714, with a median of $47,350.
Is becoming a Dental Assistant a good career?
Employment is projected to grow 7% (faster than average), and the role typically requires postsecondary certificate. With a median wage of $47,350 per year, it pays well above the U.S. median for all occupations.