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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Orthodontic Assistant in California is $222,136 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $107.
However, a Lead Orthodontic Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Orthodontic Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $254,193 | $21,183 | $4,888 | $122 |
| Average | $222,136 | $18,511 | $4,272 | $107 |
| 25th Percentile | $210,722 | $17,560 | $4,052 | $101 |
Hero Practice Services - Glendale, CA
Tanna Orthodontics and Dental Associates - Eastvale, CA
Hero Practice Services - Glendale, CA
Children's Dental FunZone - Van Nuys, CA
A Lead Orthodontic 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 Lead Orthodontic 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 Lead Orthodontic Assistant | $215,770 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Orthodontic Assistant | $216,513 |
| Senior Level Lead Orthodontic Assistant | $217,255 |
| Specialist Level Lead Orthodontic Assistant | $218,295 |
| Expert Level Lead Orthodontic Assistant | $222,137 |
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 Lead Orthodontic 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 Lead Orthodontic Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Lead Orthodontic Assistant positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Orthodontic Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $333,205 | $160.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $266,564 | $128.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Lead Orthodontic 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 | $254,193 | $21,183 | $4,888 | $122 |
| Average | $222,136 | $18,511 | $4,272 | $107 |
| 25th Percentile | $210,722 | $17,560 | $4,052 | $101 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Orthodontic Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Sugarbug Dental & Orthodontics
Oxnard, CA
Sugarbug Dental & Orthodontics | Oxnard, CA
Orthodontic Assistant. Oxnard & Camarillo, CA Pediatric & Orthodontic Practice. Sugarbug Orthodontics is a trusted pediatric and orthodontic practice servi... more
7 Days Ago
Hero Practice Services
Van Nuys, CA
Hero Practice Services | Van Nuys, CA
Orthodontic Assistant. Kids Dental Place and Orthodontics in Van Nuys are currently seeking an Orthodontic Assistant to provide efficient, high-quality car... more
7 Days Ago
Flores Orthodontics
Fallbrook, CA
Flores Orthodontics | Fallbrook, CA
Job Description. Job Description. This is a part-time on-site role for an Orthodontic Assistant, located in Fallbrook, CA. The Orthodontic Assistant will b... more
7 Days Ago
360 Orthodontics
Los Angeles, CA
360 Orthodontics | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. 360 Orthodontics is looking for a reliable Orthodontic Assistant at our Westwood, CA location. Westwood, CA: 14-16 days a... more
8 Days Ago
360 Orthodontics
Santa Ana, CA
360 Orthodontics | Santa Ana, CA
Orthodontic Assistant. 360 Orthodontics is looking for a reliable Orthodontic Assistant at our Santa Ana, CA location. Santa Ana, CA: 12 days a month Tuesd... more
9 Days Ago
Corus Orthodontists
Clovis, CA
Corus Orthodontists | Clovis, CA
Orthodontic Assistant Opportunity. At Corus, you'll enjoy the close-knit culture of a local practice with the opportunities, support, and career growth of ... more
9 Days Ago
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