Healthcare Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Dental Assistant Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median dental assistant salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $37,409 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$37,409
vs State Avg
+$425
vs National
$-5,101
Cost of Living
88%

Dental Assistant Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $27,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,280
$-3,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,840
$-5,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $30,800
Median (50th) $37,409
75th Percentile $45,760
90th Percentile $52,800

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Alabama Cities

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open dental assistant positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The median dental assistant salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $37,409 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $52,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Tuscaloosa?
Based on the median annual salary of $37,409, a dental assistant in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for dental assistant pay?
Tuscaloosa's median dental assistant salary of $37,409 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $36,984. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL?
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $37,409 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Tuscaloosa?
Most dental assistant positions in Tuscaloosa 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.