How much does a dental assistant make?
a year · about $23 an hour
A typical dental assistant in the United States makes $48,070 a year, about $23 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They set out clean tools, welcome a patient, and pass instruments or use suction while the dentist works. Between visits, they may take X-rays, update records, sterilize the room, and book follow-up appointments.
Did you know? In some U.S. states, trained dental assistants can apply sealants to teeth. The CDC says sealants prevent 80% of cavities in back teeth over two years.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $37,130 and $62,250How do you become one?
In the United States, many start after high school with a dental-assisting program (often about a year), while others learn on the job. State rules differ; X-rays or expanded duties may require extra training, an exam, or certification.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like keeping things organized and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, dental assistants with more experience, certification, or extra skills may earn more. Pay can also vary by employer, specialty, and location; working more hours or evenings and weekends can change total earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Minnesota ($65,270), lowest in Utah ($37,760).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $37,130 | $48,070 | $62,250 | about 388,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $65,270 | about 6,000 |
| District of Columbia | $60,580 | about 630 |
| Maine | $60,070 | about 2,000 |
| New Hampshire | $59,530 | about 2,000 |
| Oregon | $59,490 | about 6,000 |
Official definition: Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm
- www.danb.org/news-blog/detail/blog/how-a-dental-assistants-practice-can-affect-t
- www.ada.org/resources/careers/career-pathways/dental-assistant
- cdc.gov/oral-health/data-research/facts-stats/fast-facts-dental-sealants.html
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY