Healthcare Phoenix, AZ Pop. 1,608,139

Dental Assistant Salary in Phoenix, Arizona

The median dental assistant salary in Phoenix, AZ is $42,510 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.1% above the Arizona state average.

City Median
$42,510
vs State Avg
+$1,275
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Phoenix offers a median dental assistant salary of $42,510, which is $1,275 above the Arizona state average of $41,235. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Phoenix pays above average for this role.

Phoenix's cost of living is 100% 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 Phoenix spans from $30,000 at the 10th percentile to $60,000 at the 90th percentile — a $30,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,000, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,608,139, Phoenix typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dental Assistant Salary in Phoenix by Experience

In Phoenix, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $31,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Phoenix, AZ

Percentile Phoenix
10th Percentile $30,000
25th Percentile $35,000
Median (50th) $42,510
75th Percentile $52,000
90th Percentile $60,000

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Phoenix

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Phoenix and the surrounding Arizona 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 Phoenix may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Phoenix

Browse open dental assistant positions in Phoenix, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Phoenix

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Phoenix, AZ? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Phoenix, Arizona is $42,510 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $30,000 (10th percentile) to $60,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Phoenix? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,510, a dental assistant in Phoenix earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Phoenix compare to the Arizona state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Phoenix's median dental assistant salary of $42,510 is 3.1% above the Arizona state average of $41,235. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Phoenix, AZ? ▼
Phoenix has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $42,510 in Phoenix has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Phoenix? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Phoenix 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.