Dental Assistants Salary in California
Dental Assistants in California earn a median annual wage of $50,110 —4.2% above the national median of $48,070. That ranks CA #14 of 50 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is 1.24× as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for dental assistants
All 50 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | $65,270 | $31.38 | 5,980 | 0.81 |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $60,580 | $29.13 | 630 | 0.36 |
| 3 | Maine | $60,070 | $28.88 | 1,550 | 0.97 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $59,530 | $28.62 | 1,600 | 0.94 |
| 5 | Oregon | $59,490 | $28.60 | 5,930 | 1.21 |
| 6 | Washington | $58,090 | $27.93 | 13,050 | 1.47 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $57,980 | $27.88 | 9,680 | 1.07 |
| 8 | North Dakota | $57,770 | $27.78 | 860 | 0.80 |
| 9 | Alaska | $57,710 | $27.74 | 1,140 | 1.40 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $56,850 | $27.33 | 3,840 | 0.91 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $34,320 | $35,800 |
| Nursing Assistants | $47,630 | $42,260 |
| Medical Assistants | $49,660 | $45,690 |
| Phlebotomists | $56,040 | $45,230 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $46,260 | $38,150 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $83,110 | $68,380 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do dental assistants make in California?
The median annual wage for dental assistants in California is $50,110, or $24.09 per hour. That is 4.2% above the national median of $48,070.
What is the entry-level dental assistants salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $38,790 per year ($18.65/hour). The 25th percentile is $46,270.
How many people work as dental assistants in California?
About 56,220 people work in this occupation in California, or 3.1 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for dental assistants?
California ranks #14 of 50 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.24x as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Which state pays dental assistants the most?
Minnesota has the highest median wage at $65,270 per year, followed by District of Columbia ($60,580) and Maine ($60,070).