Dental Assistant Salary

As of July 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Dental Assistant in the United States is $83,572. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $40. Salaries at Dental Assistant typically range from $73,079 to $95,625 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Dental Assistant Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Dental Assistant. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Dentist, with an annual salary of $149,091. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Dental Assistant

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Dental Assistant. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is Dental Assistant’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Dental Assistant's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Central CO AHEC $86,778
+3.8%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Central CO AHEC's primary metro hubs.
The Lab/ Shul $103,708
+24.1%
Supported by The Lab/ Shul's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
City of Pinehurst $79,374
-5.0%
City of Pinehurst focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
One Cool Earth $89,595
+7.2%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to One Cool Earth's sector.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+38.0%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Dental Assistant

Considering a career at Dental Assistant? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Leadership listens actively and communicates openly, which builds trust across all levels. Training and advancement opportunities exist, particularly for those proactive about growth. It's a comfortable place to stay long-term, it’s ideal for those seeking challenge, recognition, or the freedom to innovate frequently. A wonderful environment to grow and contribute meaningfully.
Employees appreciate the company’s dedication to diversity, innovation, and employee well-being. Leadership invests in staff through competitive salaries and progressive benefits. Work-life balance is outstanding. The company is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, supported by strong leadership and transparent communication. The mission is strong, but change take time and ...
Structured and routine-oriented. Management communicates well, but decisions often require multiple approvals. You can tell their team is trained, passionate, and guided by a strong mission. Secured funding we couldn’t access before.

Dental Assistant Overview

Website
www.ncdentalassistant.org
Founded In
1970
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
Venmo Kristy Eddleman @kristy-eddleman Charlotte North Carolina NC 28210
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About Dental Assistant
To advance the careers of dental assistants and to promote the dental assisting profession activities which enhance the delivery of quality dental health care to the public. The Association's objectives are to SHARE in the responsibility for quality Dental Health Care delivery to all, to ADVANCE the practice of Dental Assisting toward the highest standards of performance obtainable by supporting a

What Benefits Does Dental Assistant Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Dental Assistant offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Charlotte?

Understanding the cost of living near Charlotte is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Dental Assistant.
Charlotte's Cost of Living Index is approximately 98.9 (1.1% less expensive than US average; 3.0% more than NC average). Major financial hub, growing, housing near US avg. CATS bus/Light Rail. When planning your budget based on a salary from Dental Assistant, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,300 - $1,900+ A significant portion of Dental Assistant salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $88 (CATS monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $400 - $590 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $400 - $730+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $370 - $690+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,698 - $4,148+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Dental Assistant

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Dental Assistant?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Dental Assistant is approximately from $73,079 to $95,625. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Dental Assistant pay compared to Central CO AHEC?

The average annual salary at Dental Assistant is $83,572, or an hourly wage of $40, in comparison to Central CO AHEC which pays $86,778 per year or $42 per hour.

3. How does experience level affect salary at Dental Assistant?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Dental Assistant, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

4. How can I determine if a salary offer from Dental Assistant in Charlotte is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Dental Assistant in Charlotte is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Dental Assistant and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Charlotte" to understand its purchasing power.

5. Why might an individual's actual salary at Dental Assistant differ from the ranges shown here?

An individual's actual salary at Dental Assistant can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.