Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of dental assistants that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of dental assistants:
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Dental Officer is the highest-paid type of dental assistant with an average salary of $88,980 and an average hourly rate of $42.78.
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The second highest-paying type of dental assistant is dental hygienist, with an average salary of $88,432.
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The average dental assistant salary is $37,730 per year, and the average hourly pay is $18.14.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a dental assistant, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of dental assistants are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of dental assistants:
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Dental Officer
Average Salary: $88,980
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Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $88,432
Dental hygienists are professionals who provide preventative oral care under a dentist’s supervision. They are concerned mostly in treating minor oral health conditions. They clean teeth, examine any signs of damage and oral diseases and provide dental recommendations and after-care treatment. They educate patients with proper oral hygiene and counseling about how good nutrition impacts oral health. They also teach them ways to improve and maintain good oral health.
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Clerical Dentist Assistant
Average Salary: $82,890
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Dental Technician
Average Salary: $68,232
Dental Technicians manufacture dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures in accordance with the dentist’s specifications. They are also responsible for replacing, repairing, or modifying full or partial dentures.
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Surgical Assistant
Average Salary: $52,170
A Surgical Assistant provides assistance during an operation by performing a wide range of crucial tasks. They cover patients with surgical drapes to create and maintain a sterile operative field and adjust and maintain operating room parameters according to the surgeon’s specifications.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various dental assistant that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Dental Assistants
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for dental assistants.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Dental Assistant Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid dental assistant job?
The highest-paid dental assistant job is a dental officer. Dental Officers earn an average salary of $88,980, which is $ 42.78 hourly.
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What is a good salary for a dental assistant?
A good salary for a dental assistant is $37,730 or more. The average dental assistant salary is $37,730, so those making at least $37,730 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average dental assistant salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a dental assistant, the average entry level salary is $36,661, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $37,730 average, as this includes all dental assistants of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Dental Assistant jobs pay well?
No, dental assistant jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some dental assistant jobs pay better than others, but the average dental assistant salary of $37,730 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many dental assistant jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of dental assistants earning $38,284 a year on average.
Dental Assistants’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a dental assistant. Do your research on the going rate for a dental assistant in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do dental assistants get paid the most?
Dental Assistants get paid the most in Minnesota. In Minnesota, dental assistants earn an average annual salary of $45,756 and an average hourly wage of $22.00.
Following MN, the states with the highest-paid dental assistants are Oregon, Alaska, and Washington, with average annual salaries of $43,100, $45,905, and $40,732 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid dental assistant salaries are:
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Saint Paul, MN – $45,858
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Boston, MA – $43,051
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Portland, OR – $42,925
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
