Dental Assistant
Dental Assistants
SOC 31-9091
How Much Does a Dental Assistant Make?
The national median salary for a Dental Assistant is $44,820 per year ($21.55/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data).
That's 32% below the national median salary of $65,470 for all occupations.
How to Become a Dental Assistant
Certificate program (9-11 months) or OJT.
DANB certification available; state requirements vary
This career has relatively low barriers to entry compared to similar roles.
Dental Assistant Job Outlook
Much faster than avg — the BLS projects 8% growth from 2024 to 2034.
That's significantly faster than the average across all occupations (4%).
About 56,800 positions are expected to open annually, from both new roles and replacement needs.
Dental care demand; preventive dentistry growth
What It's Like to Work as a Dental Assistant
Expect a mix of desk work and some physical activity.
This role typically requires in-person work at a specific location.
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Career data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024-34 projections (released August 2025). Salary data: BLS OEWS May 2024.
View on BLS.gov