Dental Assistant Salary in Sioux City, IA: $35,708 (2026)

Dental Assistant Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median dental assistant salary of $35,708, which is $2,126 below the Iowa state average of $37,834. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $35,708 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,510 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for dental assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental assistants in Sioux City spans from $25,200 at the 10th percentile to $50,400 at the 90th percentile — a $25,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,040, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,720. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Assistant Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $26,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$26,040

$-4,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$36,120

$-6,880 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$48,720

$-9,280 vs national

Percentile	Sioux City	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$25,200	$26,700	$30,000
25th Percentile	$29,400	$31,150	$35,000
Median (50th)	$35,708	$37,834	$42,510
75th Percentile	$43,680	$46,280	$52,000
90th Percentile	$50,400	$53,400	$60,000

Percentile

Sioux City

10th Percentile

$25,200

25th Percentile

$29,400

Median (50th)

$35,708

75th Percentile

$43,680

90th Percentile

$50,400

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Sioux City

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Sioux City 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 Sioux City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Sioux City, IA? ▼

The median dental assistant salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $35,708 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $25,200 (10th percentile) to $50,400 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Sioux City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $35,708, a dental assistant in Sioux City earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for dental assistant pay? ▼

Sioux City's median dental assistant salary of $35,708 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $37,834. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼

Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $35,708 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Sioux City? ▼

Most dental assistant positions in Sioux City 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 Sioux City, Iowa