Healthcare Ann Arbor, MI Pop. 123,851

Dental Assistant Salary in Ann Arbor, Michigan

The median dental assistant salary in Ann Arbor, MI is $44,636 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 16.7% above the Michigan state average.

City Median
$44,636
vs State Avg
+$6,377
vs National
+$2,126
Cost of Living
105%

Dental Assistant Pay in Ann Arbor: What to Expect (2026)

Ann Arbor offers a median dental assistant salary of $44,636, which is $6,377 above the Michigan state average of $38,259. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Ann Arbor pays above average for this role.

Ann Arbor's cost of living is 105% 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 Ann Arbor spans from $31,500 at the 10th percentile to $63,000 at the 90th percentile — a $31,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,550, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $60,900. With a population of 123,851, Ann Arbor is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Ann Arbor by Experience

In Ann Arbor, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $32,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,550
+$1,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,150
+$2,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,900
+$2,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Ann Arbor, MI

Percentile Ann Arbor
10th Percentile $31,500
25th Percentile $36,750
Median (50th) $44,636
75th Percentile $54,600
90th Percentile $63,000

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Grand Rapids, MI
$38,259
Pop. 198,917
Detroit, MI
$37,409
Pop. 639,111
Warren, MI
$37,409
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$36,559
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Ann Arbor

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Ann Arbor

Browse open dental assistant positions in Ann Arbor, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Ann Arbor

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Ann Arbor, MI? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Ann Arbor, Michigan is $44,636 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $31,500 (10th percentile) to $63,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Ann Arbor? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,636, a dental assistant in Ann Arbor earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Ann Arbor compare to the Michigan state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Ann Arbor's median dental assistant salary of $44,636 is 16.7% above the Michigan state average of $38,259. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Ann Arbor, MI? ▼
Ann Arbor has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $44,636 in Ann Arbor has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Ann Arbor? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Ann Arbor 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.