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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Dental Assistant in New Mexico is $40,471 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Lead Dental Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Dental Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $44,490 | $3,707 | $856 | $21 |
| Average | $40,471 | $3,373 | $778 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,150 | $3,012 | $695 | $17 |
Sandia View Family Dental - Rio Rancho, NM
VBeyond Healthcare - Estancia, NM
Aspen Dental - Albuquerque, NM
Digital Dentistry of NM - Albuquerque, NM
A Lead 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 Lead 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 Lead Dental Assistant | $40,051 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Dental Assistant | $40,651 |
| Senior Level Lead Dental Assistant | $41,540 |
| Specialist Level Lead Dental Assistant | $42,374 |
| Expert Level Lead Dental Assistant | $42,694 |
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 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 Lead 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, MFG Durable, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Lead Dental Assistant positions in MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Lead Dental Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Durable | $48,565 | $23.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Lead 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 | $44,490 | $3,707 | $856 | $21 |
| Average | $40,471 | $3,373 | $778 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,150 | $3,012 | $695 | $17 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Dental Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Coriz Dental
Albuquerque, NM
Coriz Dental | Albuquerque, NM
Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking a full-time or part-time Dental Assistant to join our comprehensive dental practice. You will be welcomed ... more
3 Days Ago
Comfort Dental of Alameda
Albuquerque, NM
Comfort Dental of Alameda | Albuquerque, NM
Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic assistant to join our team. DANB certification is required. Job duties... more
3 Days Ago
Edgewood Family Dentistry
Edgewood, NM
Edgewood Family Dentistry | Edgewood, NM
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits/Perks. Job Summary. We are seeking a qualified and caring. Dental Assistant. to join our team. As a Dental Assis... more
4 Days Ago
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
4 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
4 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
5 Days Ago
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