If you are someone who enjoys working in the healthcare field, a dental assistant can be a rewarding career. It is a perfect mix of handling administrative and clinical tasks.
But, many people wonder – is it a financially sustainable career? In this blog, we will discuss how much a dental assistant makes so you can make an informed decision for yourself!
Average Salary of a Dental Assistant in the U.S
In the United States, dental assistants now earn an average of $25 per hour, which is about $50,000–$60,000 per year.
This number is not set in stone. Pay rates can be higher and lower depending on where you work, your experience, and certifications.
Factors Influencing Dental Assistant Salary
Here is a list of factors that influence dental assistant salary:
Location
Dental assistants in big cities or areas with high living costs usually earn more than those in small towns. So, even if you have the same experience, living in a big city gives you an edge on salary.
Certification
If you have a renowned certification like the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) license, it can increase your chances to score a high pay. However, if you don’t have any certifications, you might have to compromise on a lesser pay.
Education and Skills
If a dental assistant learns extra skills or gets more training, they can automatically earn higher pay. For example, knowing how to take X-rays, handle specialized dental equipment, or assist in advanced procedures makes you an eligible employer compared to the rest.
Experience
A higher salary also depends on how many years you have given to this profession. The more years you work as a dental assistant, the higher your salary is likely to be.
Employer Type
Large dental offices or specialty clinics often pay more than small, general dental offices. So, if you are looking for a higher pay, working in a bigger practice or a specialized clinic can be a better choice.
Full Time Vs. Temporary
Temporary dental assistant jobs usually pay less than full-time positions. If you are working full-time, you can enjoy a higher hourly wage combined with work benefits like insurance and paid time off.
Tips To Maximize Your Dental Assistant Salary
If you want to sustain in this career, here is how to maximize your salary potential:
- Enroll in specialized courses and obtain certifications
- Gain as much experience as you can by working in different settings
- If you can, work in urban regions with higher demand
- Work on soft skills like communication, organization, and teamwork
Overall Insight
A career as a dental assistant can be rewarding both personally and financially. On average, dental assistants in the U.S earn $25 per hour, which is about $50,000–$60,000 per year depending on your location, experience, certifications, employer type and whether you work full time or not.
If you are looking for comprehensive courses to increase your earning potential as a dental assistant, enrol yourself at Infuse Dental Assistant School. Call us at (219) 224-6467 for detailed course inquiries.