Dental Assistant Salary in Des Moines, IA: $39,109 (2026)

Dental Assistant Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median dental assistant salary of $39,109, which is $1,275 above the Iowa state average of $37,834. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% 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 Des Moines spans from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $55,200 at the 90th percentile — a $27,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,520, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,360. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $28,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,520

$-2,480 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$39,560

$-3,440 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$53,360

$-4,640 vs national

Percentile	Des Moines	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$27,600	$26,700	$30,000
25th Percentile	$32,200	$31,150	$35,000
Median (50th)	$39,109	$37,834	$42,510
75th Percentile	$47,840	$46,280	$52,000
90th Percentile	$55,200	$53,400	$60,000

Percentile

Des Moines

10th Percentile

$27,600

25th Percentile

$32,200

Median (50th)

$39,109

75th Percentile

$47,840

90th Percentile

$55,200

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Des Moines

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Des Moines, IA? ▼

The median dental assistant salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $39,109 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $55,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Des Moines? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $39,109, a dental assistant in Des Moines earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for dental assistant pay? ▼

Des Moines's median dental assistant salary of $39,109 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $37,834. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼

Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $39,109 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Des Moines? ▼

Most dental assistant positions in Des Moines 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.

Dental Assistant Salary in Des Moines, Iowa