Healthcare Birmingham, AL Pop. 197,575

Dental Assistant Salary in Birmingham, Alabama

The median dental assistant salary in Birmingham, AL is $38,259 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$38,259
vs State Avg
+$1,275
vs National
$-4,251
Cost of Living
90%

Dental Assistant Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median dental assistant salary of $38,259, which is $1,275 above the Alabama state average of $36,984. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental assistants in Birmingham spans from $27,000 at the 10th percentile to $54,000 at the 90th percentile — a $27,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,900, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $52,200. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $27,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,900
$-3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,700
$-4,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL

Percentile Birmingham
10th Percentile $27,000
25th Percentile $31,500
Median (50th) $38,259
75th Percentile $46,800
90th Percentile $54,000

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$39,109
Pop. 216,963
Tuscaloosa, AL
$37,409
Pop. 101,129
Montgomery, AL
$36,559
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$36,134
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Birmingham

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Birmingham

Browse open dental assistant positions in Birmingham, AL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $38,259 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $54,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,259, a dental assistant in Birmingham earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Birmingham's median dental assistant salary of $38,259 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $36,984. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $38,259 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Birmingham? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Birmingham require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.