Healthcare San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Dental Assistant Salary in San Diego, California

The median dental assistant salary in San Diego, CA is $63,765 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median and 2.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$63,765
vs State Avg
+$1,700
vs National
+$21,255
Cost of Living
142%

Dental Assistant Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $46,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,500
+$15,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,500
+$21,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,000
+$29,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $45,000
25th Percentile $52,500
Median (50th) $63,765
75th Percentile $78,000
90th Percentile $90,000

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
Sacramento, CA
$53,563
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Dental Assistant in San Diego

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in San Diego

Browse open dental assistant positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in San Diego

How much does a Dental Assistant make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in San Diego, California is $63,765 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $45,000 (10th percentile) to $90,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,765, a dental assistant in San Diego earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
San Diego's median dental assistant salary of $63,765 is 2.7% above the California state average of $62,065. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $63,765 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in San Diego? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in San Diego 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.