Healthcare Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Dental Assistant Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median dental assistant salary in Columbia, MO is $37,409 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$37,409
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-5,101
Cost of Living
88%

Dental Assistant Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $27,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,280
$-3,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,840
$-5,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $30,800
Median (50th) $37,409
75th Percentile $45,760
90th Percentile $52,800

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$39,109
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$38,259
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$36,134
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$34,858
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Columbia

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Columbia

Browse open dental assistant positions in Columbia, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Columbia

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Columbia, Missouri is $37,409 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $52,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,409, a dental assistant in Columbia earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Columbia's median dental assistant salary of $37,409 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $37,409. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $37,409 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Columbia? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Columbia 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.