Healthcare California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in California

The median dental assistant salary in California is $62,065 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$62,065
vs National
+$19,555
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Dental Assistant Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $45,260, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,680 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,260
+$14,260 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,780
+$19,780 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,680
+$26,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $43,800
25th Percentile $51,100
Median (50th) $62,065
75th Percentile $75,920
90th Percentile $87,600

Dental Assistant Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$65,465
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$80,769
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$63,765
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$74,818
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$53,563
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Dental Assistant in California

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in California

Browse open dental assistant positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in California

How much does a Dental Assistant make in California? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in California is $62,065 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $43,800 (10th percentile) to $87,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,065, a dental assistant in California earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for dental assistants? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $45,260, while senior professionals earn $84,680.
How does California compare to other states for dental assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. California's median of $62,065 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($75,668) and Massachusetts ($60,789).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in California? ▼
An entry-level dental assistant in California earns approximately $45,260 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $62,780. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,680.
What city in California pays dental assistants the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for dental assistants, with a median salary of $80,769. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.