Healthcare San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Dental Assistant Salary in San Jose, California

The median dental assistant salary in San Jose, CA is $74,818 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median and 20.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$74,818
vs State Avg
+$12,753
vs National
+$32,308
Cost of Living
168%

Dental Assistant Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,560
+$23,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,680
+$32,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,080
+$44,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $52,800
25th Percentile $61,600
Median (50th) $74,818
75th Percentile $91,520
90th Percentile $105,600

Dental Assistant Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$80,769
Pop. 873,965
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 Jose

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in San Jose

Browse open dental assistant positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in San Jose

How much does a Dental Assistant make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in San Jose, California is $74,818 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $52,800 (10th percentile) to $105,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,818, a dental assistant in San Jose earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
San Jose's median dental assistant salary of $74,818 is 20.5% above the California state average of $62,065. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $74,818 in San Jose 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 Jose? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in San Jose 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.