Published on

Best States for Dental Assistants: Highest-paid Dental Assistants by State

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    Carter A
    Twitter

Dental assistants support dentists by preparing patients for treatments, sterilizing equipment, and assisting during procedures.

This article will explore the best states for dental assistants, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • The highest-paid dental assistants are in Minnesota, where they earn an average of $58,890 per year.
  • The lowest-paid dental assistants are in Puerto Rico, where they earn an average of $20,910 per year.
  • The U.S. average salary for dental assistants is $43,700 per year.

1. Minnesota ($58,890)

Minnesota Dental Assistants in Minnesota earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for dental assistants in Minnesota is $58,890, which is +35% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$58,890
10th Percentile$46,850
25th Percentile$50,250
75th Percentile$62,820
90th Percentile$73,630

2. District of Columbia ($52,820)

District of Columbia Dental Assistants in District of Columbia earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for dental assistants in District of Columbia is $52,820, which is +21% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$52,820
10th Percentile$39,060
25th Percentile$41,020
75th Percentile$61,750
90th Percentile$62,660

3. Delaware ($52,500)

Delaware Dental Assistants in Delaware earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for dental assistants in Delaware is $52,500, which is +20% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$52,500
10th Percentile$30,830
25th Percentile$35,980
75th Percentile$52,300
90th Percentile$59,270

4. Alaska ($52,430)

Alaska Dental Assistants in Alaska earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for dental assistants in Alaska is $52,430, which is +20% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$52,430
10th Percentile$38,900
25th Percentile$46,700
75th Percentile$58,780
90th Percentile$63,910

5. Massachusetts ($52,200)

Massachusetts Dental Assistants in Massachusetts earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for dental assistants in Massachusetts is $52,200, which is +19% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$52,200
10th Percentile$43,330
25th Percentile$45,640
75th Percentile$57,830
90th Percentile$63,060

6. Oregon ($51,990)

Oregon Dental Assistants in Oregon earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for dental assistants in Oregon is $51,990, which is +19% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$51,990
10th Percentile$41,610
25th Percentile$47,800
75th Percentile$57,680
90th Percentile$61,380

7. Vermont ($51,460)

Vermont Dental Assistants in Vermont earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for dental assistants in Vermont is $51,460, which is +18% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$51,460
10th Percentile$38,860
25th Percentile$45,120
75th Percentile$58,320
90th Percentile$60,050

8. North Dakota ($51,370)

North Dakota Dental Assistants in North Dakota earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for dental assistants in North Dakota is $51,370, which is +18% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$51,370
10th Percentile$37,720
25th Percentile$46,970
75th Percentile$58,660
90th Percentile$60,940

9. Washington ($50,430)

Washington Dental Assistants in Washington earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for dental assistants in Washington is $50,430, which is +15% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$50,430
10th Percentile$37,140
25th Percentile$45,070
75th Percentile$55,870
90th Percentile$60,650

10. New Hampshire ($50,220)

New Hampshire Dental Assistants in New Hampshire earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for dental assistants in New Hampshire is $50,220, which is +15% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$50,220
10th Percentile$37,950
25th Percentile$46,000
75th Percentile$56,270
90th Percentile$60,740

Conclusion

The highest-paid dental assistants are in Minnesota, where they earn an average of $58,890 per year. The lowest-paid dental assistants are in Puerto Rico, where they earn an average of $20,910 per year. The U.S. average salary for dental assistants is $43,700 per year and there are 366,630 jobs in the field.