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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a DENTAL ASSISTANT I in Iowa is $47,264 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a DENTAL ASSISTANT I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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DENTAL ASSISTANT I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $52,225 | $4,352 | $1,004 | $25 |
| Average | $47,264 | $3,939 | $909 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,378 | $3,532 | $815 | $20 |
ANKENY SMILES LLC - Des Moines, IA
Peoples Community Health Clinic - Waterloo, IA
Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, Inc - Spencer, IA
Associate Dentists - Council Bluffs, IA
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.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $38,650 |
| Intermediate Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $39,476 |
| Senior Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $41,257 |
| Specialist Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $41,448 |
| Expert Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $41,576 |
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 DENTAL ASSISTANT Is. 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 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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $56,717 | $27.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $52,225 | $4,352 | $1,004 | $25 |
| Average | $47,264 | $3,939 | $909 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,378 | $3,532 | $815 | $20 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current DENTAL ASSISTANT I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Hometown Dental Inc
Charles City, IA
Hometown Dental Inc | Charles City, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Pay. $20.00 - $32.00 per hour. Job description. Job Title. Dental Assistant / Expanded Function Dental Assistant. Locatio... more
9 Days Ago
Iowa Dental Associates
Sanborn, IA
Iowa Dental Associates | Sanborn, IA
We are looking for a competent dental assistant who will make the dentist's office more efficient and pleasant for patients. You'll ensure excellent custom... more
9 Days Ago
Primary Health Care Inc
Des Moines, IA
Primary Health Care Inc | Des Moines, IA
Job Description. Job Description. As a Dental Assistant, you will provide quality care and services to patients by assisting dentists and staff in a variet... more
6 Days Ago
Dental Touch Associates PC
Cedar Rapids, IA
Dental Touch Associates PC | Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Dental Touch Associates is a privately owned family and cosmetic dental office. We strive to provide patients with indivi... more
5 Days Ago
Highpointe Dental Care
Ankeny, IA
Highpointe Dental Care | Ankeny, IA
Expanded Duties Dental Assistant Highpointe Dental Care, is looking for a Dental Assistant to join our team. Why join a Heartland Dental supported office. ... more
5 Days Ago
Aspen Dental
Ottumwa, IA
Aspen Dental | Ottumwa, IA
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
9 Days Ago
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