Healthcare Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Dental Assistant Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median dental assistant salary in Des Moines, IA is $39,109 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$39,109
vs State Avg
+$1,275
vs National
$-3,401
Cost of Living
92%

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

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $27,600
25th Percentile $32,200
Median (50th) $39,109
75th Percentile $47,840
90th Percentile $55,200

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$40,385
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$37,409
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$36,559
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$35,708
Pop. 85,797

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.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open dental assistant positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

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.