Find a Job You Really Want In
Dental Assistants continue to be one of the most sought-after professions across the United States. These vital healthcare workers are not limited to a few states; instead, they are found in every region, reflecting the growing need for dental care.
Recognizing the importance of this profession, we at Zippia examined the current landscape to identify the best states for dental assistants in 2026. We focused on factors such as job availability, salary potential, and career advancement opportunities.
Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we analyzed which states offer the most favorable conditions for dental assistants throughout various stages of their careers.
The results are in! Here are the top ten states for dental assistants in 2026:
This ranking provides valuable insights for those considering a career in dental assistance, highlighting states with significant job opportunities and competitive pay.
Curious about how we identified these top states? Read on to understand our research methodology and discover more about the dental assistant landscape across the U.S.
If you’re looking for additional career resources, consider these articles:
- Best Companies To Work For In Seattle, WA
- These Are The 10 Companies That Are Hiring The Most In Seattle
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Seattle
How We Determined the Best States for Dental Assistants
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse range of job seekers. Our research indicates that the two primary factors they consider are:
- Job availability
- Competitive salary
To find the best states for dental assistants, we evaluated job availability and salary data. Our criteria were sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location quotient: A measure of how prevalent the job is in each state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
To standardize salary comparisons across states, we adjusted for the cost of living. This analysis helps illustrate that while salaries may differ, they can offer varying purchasing power depending on the state.
We ranked each state based on these criteria, assigning values from 1 to 50, where 1 represents the best score. The final Job Score averages these rankings, with the state achieving the lowest score crowned as the best for dental assistants.
Let’s dive into what makes each of these states the best for dental assistants.
1. Washington
Total Jobs: 10,510
Average Annual Salary: $43,680
Average Entry Level Salary: $31,960
Average Experienced Salary: $59,620
Location Quotient: 1.37
2. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 5,730
Average Annual Salary: $49,880
Average Entry Level Salary: $38,460
Average Experienced Salary: $62,620
Location Quotient: 0.85
3. North Carolina
Total Jobs: 9,420
Average Annual Salary: $41,790
Average Entry Level Salary: $30,600
Average Experienced Salary: $54,420
Location Quotient: 0.91
4. Michigan
Total Jobs: 9,960
Average Annual Salary: $37,140
Average Entry Level Salary: $27,010
Average Experienced Salary: $49,870
Location Quotient: 0.98
5. Indiana
Total Jobs: 6,090
Average Annual Salary: $40,790
Average Entry Level Salary: $28,530
Average Experienced Salary: $55,740
Location Quotient: 0.85
6. North Dakota
Total Jobs: 780
Average Annual Salary: $46,640
Average Entry Level Salary: $33,920
Average Experienced Salary: $64,800
Location Quotient: 0.79
7. Virginia
Total Jobs: 8,520
Average Annual Salary: $44,640
Average Entry Level Salary: $28,900
Average Experienced Salary: $63,500
Location Quotient: 0.94
8. Iowa
Total Jobs: 3,040
Average Annual Salary: $41,100
Average Entry Level Salary: $32,130
Average Experienced Salary: $52,050
Location Quotient: 0.84
9. Oklahoma
Total Jobs: 4,020
Average Annual Salary: $36,550
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,750
Average Experienced Salary: $48,970
Location Quotient: 1.07
10. Texas
Total Jobs: 30,290
Average Annual Salary: $36,820
Average Entry Level Salary: $25,980
Average Experienced Salary: $50,060
Location Quotient: 1.06
Conclusion: The Best States to Work as a Dental Assistant
For aspiring dental assistants, these top states offer excellent job prospects, competitive salaries, and ample opportunities for career growth. As you consider your options, it’s essential to evaluate not only the salary but also the overall work environment and potential for advancement.
If you’re also interested in the states with the least favorable conditions for dental assistants, here they are:
To further explore career opportunities, check out these resources:
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Washington
- These Are The 100 Largest Companies In Washington
Detailed List of the Best States for Dental Assistants
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $43,680 |
| 2 | Minnesota | $49,880 |
| 3 | North Carolina | $41,790 |
| 4 | Michigan | $37,140 |
| 5 | Indiana | $40,790 |
| 6 | North Dakota | $46,640 |
| 7 | Virginia | $44,640 |
| 8 | Iowa | $41,100 |
| 9 | Oklahoma | $36,550 |
| 10 | Texas | $36,820 |
| 11 | Arizona | $40,680 |
| 12 | New Hampshire | $48,760 |
| 13 | Kansas | $37,040 |
| 14 | Missouri | $38,350 |
| 15 | Nebraska | $36,860 |
| 16 | Illinois | $39,370 |
| 17 | Kentucky | $36,060 |
| 18 | Ohio | $38,960 |
| 19 | Florida | $39,590 |
| 20 | Tennessee | $37,610 |
| 21 | South Carolina | $39,750 |
| 22 | Idaho | $34,800 |
| 23 | Colorado | $40,390 |
| 24 | Arkansas | $34,080 |
| 25 | Wisconsin | $38,630 |
| 26 | Wyoming | $35,220 |
| 27 | New Mexico | $34,870 |
| 28 | Montana | $37,310 |
| 29 | Oregon | $43,440 |
| 30 | Georgia | $36,710 |
| 31 | Delaware | $41,060 |
| 32 | Alaska | $47,330 |
| 33 | Maine | $42,250 |
| 34 | New Jersey | $43,110 |
| 35 | Mississippi | $32,900 |
| 36 | Pennsylvania | $39,200 |
| 37 | South Dakota | $37,820 |
| 38 | Connecticut | $44,520 |
| 39 | Nevada | $38,240 |
| 40 | Utah | $31,280 |
| 41 | Massachusetts | $46,070 |
| 42 | Rhode Island | $43,710 |
| 43 | California | $41,030 |
| 44 | Louisiana | $32,340 |
| 45 | Alabama | $33,650 |
| 46 | Maryland | $42,080 |
| 47 | Hawaii | $38,860 |
| 48 | Vermont | $42,640 |
| 49 | New York | $39,130 |
| 50 | West Virginia | $31,410 |
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.
