Healthcare Atlanta, GA Pop. 498,715

Dental Assistant Salary in Atlanta, Georgia

The median dental assistant salary in Atlanta, GA is $43,360 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 9.7% above the Georgia state average.

City Median
$43,360
vs State Avg
+$3,826
vs National
+$850
Cost of Living
102%

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

Atlanta offers a median dental assistant salary of $43,360, which is $3,826 above the Georgia state average of $39,534. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Atlanta pays above average for this role.

Atlanta's cost of living is 102% 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 Atlanta 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 498,715, Atlanta is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Atlanta by Experience

In Atlanta, 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 102% 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 Atlanta, GA

Percentile Atlanta
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 Georgia Cities

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Atlanta

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Atlanta

Browse open dental assistant positions in Atlanta, GA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Atlanta

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Atlanta, GA? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Atlanta, Georgia 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 Atlanta? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,360, a dental assistant in Atlanta earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Atlanta compare to the Georgia state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Atlanta's median dental assistant salary of $43,360 is 9.7% above the Georgia state average of $39,534. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Atlanta, GA? ▼
Atlanta has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $43,360 in Atlanta has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Atlanta? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Atlanta 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.