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DENTAL ASSISTANT I Salary in California

How much does a DENTAL ASSISTANT I make in California?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a DENTAL ASSISTANT I in California is $54,762 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, a DENTAL ASSISTANT I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $65,745
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $49,103 to $60,511
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,950
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence DENTAL ASSISTANT I Salaries

A DENTAL ASSISTANT I'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.

How Experience Level Affects DENTAL ASSISTANT Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a DENTAL ASSISTANT I'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $44,539
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $45,492
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $47,545
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $47,765
  • Expert (over 8 years): $47,912
Levels Salary
Entry Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I$44,539
Intermediate Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I$45,492
Senior Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I$47,545
Specialist Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I$47,765
Expert Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I$47,912
View as Graph

How Do DENTAL ASSISTANT I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 DENTAL ASSISTANT Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $54,970.
  • California: $54,762.
  • Massachusetts: $54,032.

Top Paying Cities for DENTAL ASSISTANT Is

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:

  • Los Angeles: $54,856
  • West Hollywood: $54,816
  • Dodgertown: $54,856

DENTAL ASSISTANT I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For DENTAL ASSISTANT I 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, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, DENTAL ASSISTANT positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view DENTAL ASSISTANT I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a DENTAL ASSISTANT I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$65,714$32.020%

DENTAL ASSISTANT I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a DENTAL ASSISTANT I'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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$49,103
Average $54,762/year
$60,511
$4,092
Average $4,563/month
$5,043
$944
Average $1,053/week
$1,164
$24
Average $26/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $60,511 $5,043 $1,164 $29
Average $54,762 $4,563 $1,053 $26
25th Percentile $49,103 $4,092 $944 $24

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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