The career of a dental assistant is currently on fire and is ready to continue its rapid growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Handbook of Employment Forecasts, the employment of dental assistants will increase much faster than average, with approximately 38,700 dental assistant jobs added in 2018-2028, an increase of 11%. Currently 346 000 dental assistants are employed. How much do dental assistants make an hour?
How much does a dental assistant earn per hour?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of a dental assistant was USD 36,940 in 2016. This salary is divided into USD 21.11 per hour based on work 50 weeks a year, 35 hours a week.
For 2016, the forecast for dental assistants was positive, with a projected employment increase of 31% in 2010-2020 compared to the 14% growth rate expected for all other professions over the same period. This means that the average salary of USD 21.11 per hour given above may increase to USD 27.65 by 2020.
CDA Certificates Earn more
According to the DANB Dental Assistary Salary and Satisfaction Survey, the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) earns an average of $ 2 more per hour than non-certified dental assistants.
According to the same survey, CDA certificates receive many other benefits, including paid leave and vacation, retirement plan, health insurance and paid sick leave.
In addition to the cash prizes, the respondents stated that the certification brought them personal and professional benefits – including greater pride, greater knowledge and the opportunity to stand out from others when applying for a job.
DANB certificates also show a high level of career satisfaction. In fact, 99% of respondents plan to renew the certificate!
10 states in which dental assistants earn the most money
According to BLS, the average annual national assistant pay is USD 37,770, which is significantly less than the average national pay for all professions – USD 51,960. If you are a dental assistant, you can increase your chances of a better average salary by moving to a state where dental assistants they pay more than the US average.
Below is a list of the top 10 highest-paying statuses for dental assistants:
- Minnesota dental assistant salary: $ 49,880
- Average salary for a dental assistant in New Hampshire: $ 48,760
- Average salary of a dental assistant in Alaska: 47 330 $
- Average salary for a dental assistant in North Dakota: $ 46,640
- Average salary of a dental assistant in Massachusetts: $ 46,070
- Average salary for a dental assistant in Virginia: $ 44,640
- Average salary for a dental assistant in Connecticut: $ 44,520
- Average salary for a dental assistant in Rhode Island: $ 47,710
- Average salary of a dental assistant in Washington: USD 43 680
- Average salary for a dental assistant in Oregon: $ 43,440
