Healthcare Great Falls, MT Pop. 60,442

Dental Assistant Salary in Great Falls, Montana

The median dental assistant salary in Great Falls, MT is $36,559 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 7.5% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$36,559
vs State Avg
$-2,975
vs National
$-5,951
Cost of Living
88%

Dental Assistant Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median dental assistant salary of $36,559, which is $2,975 below the Montana state average of $39,534. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $36,559 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $41,544 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for dental assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental assistants in Great Falls spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $51,600 at the 90th percentile — a $25,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,660, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,880. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Assistant Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $26,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,660
$-4,340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,980
$-6,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Great Falls, MT

Percentile Great Falls
10th Percentile $25,800
25th Percentile $30,100
Median (50th) $36,559
75th Percentile $44,720
90th Percentile $51,600

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Great Falls

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Great Falls

Browse open dental assistant positions in Great Falls, MT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Great Falls, MT? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Great Falls, Montana is $36,559 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $51,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Great Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,559, a dental assistant in Great Falls earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Great Falls's median dental assistant salary of $36,559 is 7.5% below the Montana state average of $39,534. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼
Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $36,559 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Great Falls? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Great Falls 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.