Healthcare San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Dental Assistant Salary in San Francisco, California

The median dental assistant salary in San Francisco, CA is $80,769 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median and 30.1% above the California state average.

City Median
$80,769
vs State Avg
+$18,704
vs National
+$38,259
Cost of Living
182%

Dental Assistant Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $58,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,900
+$27,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,700
+$38,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,200
+$52,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $57,000
25th Percentile $66,500
Median (50th) $80,769
75th Percentile $98,800
90th Percentile $114,000

Dental Assistant Salary in Other California Cities

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

How to Become a Dental Assistant in San Francisco

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open dental assistant positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Dental Assistant make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in San Francisco, California is $80,769 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $57,000 (10th percentile) to $114,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,769, a dental assistant in San Francisco earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
San Francisco's median dental assistant salary of $80,769 is 30.1% above the California state average of $62,065. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $80,769 in San Francisco 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 Francisco? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in San Francisco 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.