A high salary does not necessarily mean high satisfaction.
After graduation, dental assisting graduates typically earn high salaries compared to the national average. Top earners make $67,732, while the bottom 20% make closer to $35,336. The median grad salary is $48,922.
Dental Assisting graduate salaries over time
The typical early career salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in dental assisting is $39,654, and within five years of graduation, this average salary goes up to $48,743.
This chart maps the average workforce wage by years of experience:
Wage ($USD)
Wage Range Median Wage
Years of work experience
Pro tip
Still unsure if a degree in dental assisting is your calling? Read our comprehensive guide on choosing a career
