How much do dental assistants make?
Dental assistants earn a national median of about $47,300 per year, or roughly $22.74 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay ranges from about $35,000 for entry level to $60,000 or more for top earners.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | $35,000 - $38,000 | About $17 to $18 per hour for new and non-certified assistants. |
| Median (national) | $47,300 | Roughly $22.74 per hour (BLS, May 2024 data). |
| Certified (CDA) | ~$54,000 | About $26 per hour; certified assistants earn roughly 15% more. |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $60,000+ | Around $29+ per hour in high-demand markets. |
| Top-paying state (Minnesota) | $64,630 | State median; geography drives much of the variation. |
What dental assistants earn in 2026
The national median wage for dental assistants is about $47,300 per year, which works out to roughly $22.74 per hour, based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Half of dental assistants earn more than this and half earn less.
Entry-level assistants generally start around $35,000 to $38,000, while the top 10% in high-demand areas make $60,000 or more. The field is growing: BLS projects employment of dental assistants to rise about 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
What drives the differences in pay
Geography is one of the biggest factors. State medians range widely, with Minnesota near the top at about $64,630, well above the national figure. Cost of living and local demand for dental services push wages up in some metro areas and down in others.
Certification and experience also matter. Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) earn roughly 15% more, averaging about $26 per hour versus $22.50 for non-certified peers. Skills like radiography, expanded functions, and chairside experience can move an assistant toward the higher end of the range.
How to earn more as a dental assistant
Earning certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and adding expanded-function or radiography credentials is one of the most reliable ways to raise pay. Many states tie certain duties and pay bumps directly to these credentials.
Beyond certification, working in higher-paying states or specialty practices (such as oral surgery or orthodontics), taking on lead or office-coordinator responsibilities, and building tenure with one practice all tend to lift compensation over time.
Frequently asked questions
- How much do dental assistants make per hour?
- The national median is about $22.74 per hour. Entry-level pay is closer to $17 to $18, while certified and experienced assistants can earn $26 or more.
- Do certified dental assistants earn more?
- Yes. Certified Dental Assistants earn roughly 15% more on average, about $26 per hour compared with $22.50 for non-certified assistants.
- Which states pay dental assistants the most?
- Minnesota is among the highest, with a state median around $64,630. Pay generally tracks cost of living and local demand for dental care.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.