Healthcare Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in Delaware

The median dental assistant salary in Delaware is $43,785 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$43,785
vs National
+$1,275
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Dental Assistant Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for dental assistant compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for dental assistant pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $43,785 per year, dental assistants in Delaware earn $1,275 more than the national median of $42,510.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning dental assistant salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: dental assistants at the 10th percentile earn $30,900, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $61,800 — a $30,900 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $45,486.

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dental assistants across the country.

Dental Assistant Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $31,930, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,740 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,930
+$930 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,290
+$1,290 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,740
+$1,740 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $30,900
25th Percentile $36,050
Median (50th) $43,785
75th Percentile $53,560
90th Percentile $61,800

Dental Assistant Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Delaware

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Delaware has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in Delaware

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Delaware's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Delaware

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Delaware? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Delaware is $43,785 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $30,900 (10th percentile) to $61,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,785, a dental assistant in Delaware earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for dental assistants? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $31,930, while senior professionals earn $59,740.
How does Delaware compare to other states for dental assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. Delaware's median of $43,785 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($45,486) and Virginia ($45,061).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level dental assistant in Delaware earns approximately $31,930 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $44,290. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $59,740.
What city in Delaware pays dental assistants the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for dental assistants, with a median salary of $45,486. Other cities include Dover and Newark.