Dental Assistant Salary by State for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Dental Assistant Salary by State for 2025

Dental assistant pay can look very different depending on where you live. States with higher costs of living or strong demand for dental care often pay more, while others remain closer to the national median of about $47,300 per year. Knowing these figures helps students and job seekers decide where opportunities may be most rewarding financially. 

Below is a state-by-state look at the annual median wages for dental assistants in 2025, listed alphabetically for easy reference.

• Alabama: $37,280
• Alaska: $55,950
• Arizona: $49,000
• Arkansas: $37,680
• California: $48,910
• Colorado: $47,770
• Connecticut: $50,820
• Delaware: $46,090
• District of Columbia: $56,500
• Florida: $47,060
• Georgia: $45,600
• Guam: $35,640
• Hawaii: $44,870
• Idaho: $39,460
• Illinois: $47,430
• Indiana: $47,980
• Iowa: $47,820
• Kansas: $39,840
• Kentucky: $46,520
• Louisiana: $38,150
• Maine: $51,340
• Maryland: $48,280
• Massachusetts: $57,960
• Michigan: $47,030
• Minnesota: $64,630
• Mississippi: $37,130
• Missouri: $45,220
• Montana: $45,820
• Nebraska: $46,660
• Nevada: $46,970
• New Hampshire: $50,260
• New Jersey: $48,070
• New Mexico: $38,840
• New York: $47,020
• North Carolina: $48,710
• North Dakota: $51,310
• Ohio: $47,330
• Oklahoma: $44,450
• Oregon: $57,720
• Pennsylvania: $48,290
• Puerto Rico: $23,690
• Rhode Island: $48,060
• South Carolina: $45,930
• South Dakota: $47,680
• Tennessee: $46,090
• Texas: $42,270
• Utah: $37,320
• Vermont: $51,020
• Virgin Islands: $36,350
• Virginia: $46,910
• Washington: $57,040
• West Virginia: $37,330
• Wisconsin: $48,000
• Wyoming: $42,770

For students considering career paths, some even weigh dental assisting alongside early childhood education bachelor's core coursework or similar entry-level degree routes, since both provide stable employment options.

What factors influence dental assistant pay in different states?

Not every dental assistant earns the same salary, and geography plays a bigger role than many realize. Wages can shift thousands of dollars depending on local economies, demand for dental services, and the career choices made by assistants themselves. Here are some of the most common factors shaping pay across the country:

• Cost of Living: States with higher housing, food, and healthcare costs tend to offer higher wages to help offset expenses. This is why places like Massachusetts and Washington rank among the top-paying states.
• Demand for Dental Services: Regions with more patients or faster population growth often have greater demand for dental assistants, pushing salaries upward as offices compete for talent.
• Certification and Education: Holding credentials such as Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) can raise earnings by about 15%. Pursuing the
• Work Setting: Assistants in specialized practices, such as oral surgery or orthodontics, often command higher pay compared to those in general dentistry.
• Experience: Like many careers, dental assistants with more years on the job typically earn more than entry-level hires.

When looking at these factors, it’s also useful to see where the most jobs are concentrated. For example, states identified as states with the highest demand for teachers often have parallels in healthcare: growing populations create high demand for both educators and dental assistants, driving salaries upward in those regions.

How much more do certified dental assistants (like CDAs) make?

Certified dental assistants make about 15% more than their non-certified peers. In numbers, this equals an average of $26 per hour compared to $22.50 for non-certified assistants. Over a full work year, the difference can add up to several thousand dollars in additional earnings, making certification a strong financial choice.

Beyond higher pay, certification also signals a higher level of competency and commitment. Employers are more likely to assign CDAs advanced responsibilities, such as assisting with complex procedures or managing infection control protocols. This not only raises earning potential but also strengthens long-term job stability. Certification often positions dental assistants for promotions or leadership roles within dental practices, giving them a competitive advantage in crowded job markets.

Career-minded assistants sometimes compare their pay growth with other professions requiring additional credentials, such as meeting CPNP-PC certification steps, where advanced certification similarly leads to higher salaries and expanded responsibilities.

The infographic below illustrates the 15% wage gap between certified and non-certified dental assistants, providing a clear picture of how credentials directly impact earnings and why many assistants consider certification an investment in their financial future.

How does experience level affect dental assistant earnings?

Experience has a direct and measurable impact on dental assistant earnings. Entry-level assistants usually start at the lower end of the pay scale, often between $17 and $19 per hour, depending on the state. As they gain a few years of experience, their wages typically increase several dollars per hour, reflecting greater independence, efficiency, and skill in handling a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks.

Those with a decade or more in the field often earn salaries above the national median of $47,300, especially if they work in states with high demand or pair their experience with certification. Long-term experience also opens doors to supervisory roles or specialized positions in orthodontics and oral surgery, where wages are higher.

This progression is consistent with other healthcare support careers. For example, comparisons of medical assistant vs dental assistant roles show that both fields reward tenure with higher pay, but dental assistants may have stronger long-term earnings growth when certification and specialization are considered.

Which states saw salary increases in the past year?

​​Some states saw dramatic pay increases for dental assistants between 2024 and 2025, reflecting stronger demand, cost-of-living adjustments, and efforts to retain skilled workers. The biggest jump was in Michigan, where median annual wages rose from $45,210 in 2024 to $56,790 in 2025—a remarkable 25.61% increase.

Kentucky also experienced significant growth, with salaries climbing from $41,090 to $45,720, marking an 11.27% boost. Illinois and Maine followed closely, with pay rising from $42,420 to $47,170 and $48,760 to $54,190, respectively—both increases of just over 11%. Louisiana showed healthy growth too, moving from $38,290 in 2024 to $41,450 in 2025, an 8.25% increase.

Other notable states included Wisconsin (7.75%), New Jersey (7.71%), Mississippi (6.78%), Arizona (6.40%), and Tennessee (6.31%). Each of these states saw wage gains well above the national average, giving dental assistants in those regions stronger earning power in just one year.

This steady increase in compensation mirrors wage improvements seen in other specialized fields, such as the average FNP salary by state, where regional demand and cost of living are equally important factors driving pay raises year over year.

The chart below highlights these top ten states with the highest increases, offering a visual snapshot of where salaries are climbing fastest and helping prospective dental assistants identify regions with strong upward momentum.

What’s the national average dental assistant salary in 2025?

In 2025, the national median salary for dental assistants stands at $47,300 per year, which equals about $22.74 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure serves as a benchmark, helping both current professionals and prospective students understand where they stand compared to the broader U.S. workforce.

While the national average provides a useful snapshot, it is important to remember that pay varies widely depending on location. States like Minnesota and Massachusetts offer salaries well above $55,000, while others such as Mississippi and West Virginia fall closer to $37,000. Cost of living, demand for dental care, and availability of certified assistants all contribute to these differences.

This national figure also reflects steady growth over the past several years, as wages for dental assistants continue to rise with increasing demand for preventive dental services. For many, this makes the field a reliable choice with strong long-term earning potential.

The infographic below provides a quick view of the national median salary, breaking it down into annual and hourly earnings to give a clear sense of what dental assistants can expect across the United States.

Which states currently pay dental assistants the most?

Some states stand out for offering dental assistants significantly higher salaries than the national average. At the top of the list is Minnesota, where the annual median wage reaches $64,630, far above the national figure of $47,300. Massachusetts and Oregon follow closely, with salaries of $57,960 and $57,720, respectively.

Other high-paying regions include the District of Columbia ($56,500) and Alaska ($55,950), both offering strong wages that reflect high living costs and strong demand for skilled assistants. Rounding out the top ten are Maine, North Dakota, Vermont, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, each reporting annual median wages between $50,000 and $51,300. These states consistently show that geography plays a decisive role in determining earnings.

For dental assistants looking to maximize income, relocating to or training in these states could be a smart move. Some may even use these opportunities as stepping stones toward higher-level roles, such as dental hygienists, especially with options like the fastest dental assistant to dental hygienist bridge program online.

The chart below highlights the top-paying states, offering a clear picture of where dental assistants can expect the best financial rewards in 2025.

How much can you expect when comparing dental assistants vs hygienists?

Dental assistants and dental hygienists both play critical roles in dental care, but their salaries differ significantly. In 2025, the national median wage for dental assistants is about $47,300 per year, or $22.74 per hour. By comparison, dental hygienists earn considerably more, with median annual wages often exceeding $80,000 depending on location. This gap reflects differences in responsibilities, training requirements, and scope of practice.

Dental assistants focus on clinical support, sterilizing instruments, assisting during procedures, and handling administrative duties. Hygienists, on the other hand, provide direct patient care such as cleanings, preventive treatments, and oral health education. Because of the higher skill level and education required—typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree—hygienists are compensated at a much higher rate.

For anyone considering a career in dentistry, comparing dental assistant vs dental hygienist roles is an important step. While becoming an assistant often requires less schooling and offers quicker entry into the workforce, advancing to hygienist can significantly increase long-term earning potential.

Are urban areas paying dental assistants more than rural areas?

Yes—dental assistants in urban areas typically earn more than those working in rural settings. This difference is largely tied to cost of living, patient demand, and the concentration of dental practices in metropolitan regions. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., not only have higher living expenses but also greater competition among dental offices, which drives up wages.

In contrast, rural areas often see lower wages because of smaller populations, fewer dental practices, and less overall demand. While the work itself is similar, the economic environment shapes what employers can afford to pay. For many dental assistants, this means weighing the benefits of a higher paycheck against the realities of higher urban living costs.

For those considering entering the field quickly, completing the fastest dental assistant certificate programs online can open doors to employment in both urban and rural settings. However, it’s worth noting that opportunities in cities often come with better pay scales and more career advancement options.

What other ways—like specialized roles or setting—affect pay?

Dental assistant salaries aren’t determined by geography alone. The type of dental office, specialization, and scope of responsibilities all play a role in how much an assistant can earn. For example, those working in oral surgery or orthodontic practices often earn more than assistants in general dentistry because the work is more complex and requires additional skills.

The size of the practice also matters. Large, busy clinics with high patient volume may offer higher wages compared to smaller offices with limited resources. Hospital-based dental practices and specialty centers often provide better pay and benefits than private practices, reflecting the broader scope of care provided in these settings.

Education remains another important factor. Dental assistants who complete programs such as the fastest online dental assistant associate's degree are positioned for more specialized roles and, in turn, stronger earning potential. Combining formal education with certifications and experience can open the door to supervisory or managerial positions within dental offices.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their Dental Assistant Program

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What education is required to become a dental assistant?

Most states require either a postsecondary certificate or an accredited training program, though some allow on-the-job training. Programs usually take under a year and cover both clinical and administrative skills. Earning certification, like becoming a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), not only strengthens job opportunities but can also raise salary potential significantly in most states.

How long does it take to become a dental assistant?

The timeline depends on the path chosen. Certificate programs generally take nine to twelve months, while associate degrees may last two years. For those hired without formal schooling, employers often provide training that can last several months to a year. Many dental assistants are fully capable and job-ready within their first year of practice.

What are the daily responsibilities of a dental assistant?

Dental assistants balance clinical and administrative duties. They prepare patients, sterilize instruments, assist dentists during procedures, manage records, and schedule appointments. In some states, they can take X-rays or apply sealants under supervision. The variety of tasks keeps the role engaging and ensures dental offices run efficiently, making assistants vital team members in patient care.

Is being a dental assistant a good career choice?

Yes. Dental assisting is ideal for people wanting stable healthcare jobs without years of school. It offers competitive pay, consistent job growth, and pathways to higher-paying roles through certification or specialization. Many assistants also enjoy meaningful patient interaction, making the career personally rewarding as well as financially reliable.