Healthcare Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Dental Assistant Salary in Sacramento, California

The median dental assistant salary in Sacramento, CA is $53,563 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 13.7% below the California state average.

City Median
$53,563
vs State Avg
$-8,502
vs National
+$11,053
Cost of Living
118%

Dental Assistant Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $39,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,060
+$8,060 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,180
+$11,180 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,080
+$15,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $44,100
Median (50th) $53,563
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $75,600

Dental Assistant Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$80,769
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$74,818
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$65,465
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$63,765
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Sacramento

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open dental assistant positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Sacramento, California is $53,563 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $75,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,563, a dental assistant in Sacramento earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Sacramento's median dental assistant salary of $53,563 is 13.7% below the California state average of $62,065. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $53,563 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Sacramento? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Sacramento 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.