Dental Assistants Salary in Pennsylvania
Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania earn a median annual wage of $47,930 —0.3% below the national median of $48,070. That ranks PA #25 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 only 0.80× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in Pennsylvania.
Highest-paying states for dental assistants
All 50 states ranked by median annual wage. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Pennsylvania.
| Occupation | Pennsylvania median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $29,420 | $35,800 |
| Nursing Assistants | $44,590 | $42,260 |
| Medical Assistants | $43,920 | $45,690 |
| Phlebotomists | $43,910 | $45,230 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $37,140 | $38,150 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $62,580 | $68,380 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do dental assistants make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual wage for dental assistants in Pennsylvania is $47,930, or $23.05 per hour. That is 0.3% below the national median of $48,070.
What is the entry-level dental assistants salary in Pennsylvania?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $38,040 per year ($18.29/hour). The 25th percentile is $45,620.
How many people work as dental assistants in Pennsylvania?
About 12,080 people work in this occupation in Pennsylvania, or 2.0 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for dental assistants?
Pennsylvania ranks #25 of 50 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.80x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in Pennsylvania.
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).