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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cosmetic Dental Assistant in New Mexico is $42,340 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Cosmetic Dental Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cosmetic Dental Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $46,468 | $3,872 | $894 | $22 |
| Average | $42,340 | $3,528 | $814 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,419 | $3,202 | $739 | $18 |
Coriz Dental - Albuquerque, NM
Comfort Dental of Alameda - Albuquerque, NM
Valer Dental - Albuquerque, NM
Edgewood Family Dentistry - Edgewood, NM
A Cosmetic Dental Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cosmetic Dental Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $41,168 |
| Intermediate Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $41,595 |
| Senior Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $42,455 |
| Specialist Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $42,627 |
| Expert Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $42,741 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cosmetic Dental Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Cosmetic Dental Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Cosmetic Dental Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Cosmetic Dental Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $50,808 | $24.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Cosmetic Dental Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $46,468 | $3,872 | $894 | $22 |
| Average | $42,340 | $3,528 | $814 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,419 | $3,202 | $739 | $18 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cosmetic Dental Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Celebrate Dental and Braces - Bernalillo
Bernalillo, NM
Celebrate Dental and Braces - Bernalillo | Bernalillo, NM
Job Description. Job Description. Our Celebrate Dental & Braces office in Bernalillo is currently seeking a full and part-time Dental Assistants. We have s... more
3 Days Ago
Valer 120 Eubank LLC
Albuquerque, NM
Valer 120 Eubank LLC | Albuquerque, NM
Job Description. Job Description. Job Summary. We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Dental Assistant to join our dynamic dental practice. The ide... more
3 Days Ago
Dental Partners of Cottonwood LLC
Albuquerque, NM
Dental Partners of Cottonwood LLC | Albuquerque, NM
Job Description. Job Description. We are looking to expand our Dental Team. Great hours: We ask every assistant to work (2 )AM shifts which would be from 7... more
4 Days Ago
Integrative Dentistry Of New Mexico
Santa Fe, NM
Integrative Dentistry Of New Mexico | Santa Fe, NM
Job Description. Job Description. Pay. $20.00 - $35.00 per hour. Job description. Dental Assistant at Integrative Dentistry Of New Mexico. ________________... more
4 Days Ago
Aspen Dental
Albuquerque, NM
Aspen Dental | Albuquerque, NM
At Aspen Dental, we put You First, offering the security and job stability that comes with working with a world-class dental service organization (DSO). Ou... more
6 Days Ago
Digital Dentistry of NM
Albuquerque, NM
Digital Dentistry of NM | Albuquerque, NM
Job Description. Job Description. We are looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented Dental Assistant to become a valuable part of our dedicated tea... more
6 Days Ago
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