Dental Assistant hourly pay: how much do assistants make?
As of 2024, the median assistant earns $47,300 ($22.74/hr).
BLS OEWS May 2024 for Dental Assistants (31-9091). Most assistants are paid hourly; median hourly pay is $22.74/hr.
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 | $36,190 | $17.40/hr |
| 25th percentilei | $40,356est. | $19.40/hr |
| Median (50th)i | $47,300 | $22.74/hr |
| 75th percentilei | $56,350est. | $27.09/hr |
| 90th percentilei | $61,780 | $29.70/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 →
Last updated