Healthcare Waterbury, CT Pop. 114,403

Dental Assistant Salary in Waterbury, Connecticut

The median dental assistant salary in Waterbury, CT is $43,360 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 12.1% below the Connecticut state average.

City Median
$43,360
vs State Avg
$-5,952
vs National
+$850
Cost of Living
98%

Dental Assistant Pay in Waterbury: What to Expect (2026)

Waterbury offers a median dental assistant salary of $43,360, which is $5,952 below the Connecticut state average of $49,312. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Waterbury pays above average for this role.

Waterbury's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental assistants in Waterbury spans from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $61,200 at the 90th percentile — a $30,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,620, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,160. With a population of 114,403, Waterbury is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Waterbury by Experience

In Waterbury, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $31,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,620
+$620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,860
+$860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,160
+$1,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waterbury, CT

Percentile Waterbury
10th Percentile $30,600
25th Percentile $35,700
Median (50th) $43,360
75th Percentile $53,040
90th Percentile $61,200

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Connecticut Cities

Stamford, CT
$60,364
Pop. 135,470
New Haven, CT
$48,461
Pop. 134,023
Bridgeport, CT
$47,611
Pop. 148,529
Hartford, CT
$46,336
Pop. 121,054

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Waterbury

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Waterbury

Browse open dental assistant positions in Waterbury, CT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Waterbury

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Waterbury, CT? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Waterbury, Connecticut is $43,360 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $30,600 (10th percentile) to $61,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Waterbury? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,360, a dental assistant in Waterbury earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waterbury compare to the Connecticut state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Waterbury's median dental assistant salary of $43,360 is 12.1% below the Connecticut state average of $49,312. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Waterbury, CT? ▼
Waterbury has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $43,360 in Waterbury has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Waterbury? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Waterbury 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.