Healthcare Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Dental Assistant Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median dental assistant salary in Tucson, AZ is $39,534 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$39,534
vs State Avg
$-1,701
vs National
$-2,976
Cost of Living
93%

Dental Assistant Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $28,830, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,940 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,830
$-2,170 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,990
$-3,010 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,940
$-4,060 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $27,900
25th Percentile $32,550
Median (50th) $39,534
75th Percentile $48,360
90th Percentile $55,800

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Tucson

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Tucson

Browse open dental assistant positions in Tucson, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Tucson

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Tucson, AZ?
The median dental assistant salary in Tucson, Arizona is $39,534 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $27,900 (10th percentile) to $55,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Tucson?
Based on the median annual salary of $39,534, a dental assistant in Tucson earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for dental assistant pay?
Tucson's median dental assistant salary of $39,534 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $41,235. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ?
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $39,534 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Tucson?
Most dental assistant positions in Tucson 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.