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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a DENTAL ASSISTANT I in Virginia is $49,734 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
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 | $54,954 | $4,580 | $1,057 | $26 |
| Average | $49,734 | $4,144 | $956 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,592 | $3,716 | $858 | $21 |
Lead Dental Assistant Training - Woodbridge, VA
Confidential - Leesburg, VA
Layth Ghanim Aldabbagh PLLC - Arlington, VA
Dedicated Dental - Stafford, VA
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 | $40,669 |
| Intermediate Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $41,539 |
| Senior Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $43,413 |
| Specialist Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $43,614 |
| Expert Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $43,748 |
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 | $59,680 | $29.0 | 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 | $54,954 | $4,580 | $1,057 | $26 |
| Average | $49,734 | $4,144 | $956 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,592 | $3,716 | $858 | $21 |
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.
Commonwealth Family Dentistry PC
Chesterfield, VA
Commonwealth Family Dentistry PC | Chesterfield, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Now Hiring: Dental Assistant. . Are you a motivated, patient-focused Dental Assistant looking to join a friendly and prof... more
2 Days Ago
AQUIA DENTAL CARE
Stafford, VA
AQUIA DENTAL CARE | Stafford, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Stafford, Virginia. We are seeking an experienced, dependable, and compassionate Dental Assistant to join our team. This ... more
2 Days Ago
Wright Dental Care
Fredericksburg, VA
Wright Dental Care | Fredericksburg, VA
Job Description. Job Description. We are looking for a team oriented dental assistant who will help make our Office more efficient and pleasant for patient... more
4 Days Ago
Monument Family Dentistry
Richmond, VA
Monument Family Dentistry | Richmond, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Summary. We are a 5-star google rated dental practice looking for awesome people to join us in our brand new state of... more
4 Days Ago
Dental Center of Merrifield
Falls Church, VA
Dental Center of Merrifield | Falls Church, VA
Job Description. Job Description. A patient centered dental practice is looking for full time or part time dental assistants to join our team. Good working... more
4 Days Ago
PRESTIGE DENTAL SPECIALISTS
Annandale, VA
PRESTIGE DENTAL SPECIALISTS | Annandale, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding career opportunity. Look no further. We are seeking a full-time highly skil... more
5 Days Ago
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