In April of 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released updated wage and industry information about dental assistants. In 2024, dental assistants earned an average pay of $47,350, with the top 10 percent making $61,060 or more. This is a notable increase from their average pay in 2020, which was $42,310.
Learn more about top-paying industries and states for dental assistants.
Top-Paying States for Dental Assistants
- Minnesota – $62,760
- Massachusetts – $56,810
- Oregon – $55,960
- New Hampshire – $54,190
Largely, the greater pay for dental assistants in these states can be attributed to their higher demand. Find a dental assisting program in your state.
States with the Most Dental Assistants
- California – 56,870 Dental Assistants
- Texas – 34,490 Dental Assistants
- Florida – 25,370 Dental Assistants
- New York – 17,840 Dental Assistants
- Illinois – 14,370 Dental Assistants
With highly-populated states comes an increased need for health and oral care. States with the highest employment of dental assistants tend to reflect the number of dental offices needed.
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Assistants
- Management of Companies and Enterprises – $57,270
- State Government (Excluding Schools/Hospitals) – $54,890
- Specialty (Excluding Psychiatric/Substance Abuse Hospitals) – $53,850
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals – $51,760
- Junior Colleges – $50,970
The above industries tend to see a higher pay for dental assistants largely due to the specialized skills needed depending on the complexities of any procedures being performed.
Metropolitan Areas with the Highest Employment Levels for Dental Assistants
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA – 22,080 Dental Assistants
- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 19,770 Dental Assistants
- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI – 11,290 Dental Assistants
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX– 10,350 Dental Assistants
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL – 8,830 Dental Assistants
With a greater population, these city areas tend to have more dental practices, which influences their need for qualified dental assistants.
Are Dental Assistants in Demand?
Body copy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 7 percent increase in demand for dental assistants between now and 2032. This translates to an added 55,100 job openings for dental assistants each year over the next decade. Along with evolving technology and practices, industry demand for dental assistants appears to be strong.
Get started today. Explore dental assistant schools near you, and you could become a dental assistant in as few as 10 months.
