Healthcare Montana (MT) Rank #28 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in Montana

The median dental assistant salary in Montana is $39,534 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$39,534
vs National
$-2,976
State Rank
#28 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Dental Assistant Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #28 out of 50 states for dental assistant compensation. Dental Assistant salaries in Montana are below the national median, though the higher cost of living makes this gap more significant. At $39,534 per year, dental assistants in Montana earn $2,976 less than the national median of $42,510.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning dental assistant salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: dental assistants at the 10th percentile earn $27,900, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $55,800 — a $27,900 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $48,036.

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dental assistants across the country.

Dental Assistant Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $28,830, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,940 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,830
$-2,170 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,990
$-3,010 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,940
$-4,060 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $27,900
25th Percentile $32,550
Median (50th) $39,534
75th Percentile $48,360
90th Percentile $55,800

Dental Assistant Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Montana

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Montana

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Montana? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Montana is $39,534 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $27,900 (10th percentile) to $55,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,534, a dental assistant in Montana earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for dental assistants? ▼
Montana ranks #28 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $28,830, while senior professionals earn $53,940.
How does Montana compare to other states for dental assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. Montana's median of $39,534 ranks #28 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($39,959) and Georgia ($39,534).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level dental assistant in Montana earns approximately $28,830 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $39,990. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $53,940.
What city in Montana pays dental assistants the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for dental assistants, with a median salary of $48,036. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.