Healthcare Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Dental Assistant Salary in Helena, Montana

The median dental assistant salary in Helena, MT is $39,109 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$39,109
vs State Avg
$-425
vs National
$-3,401
Cost of Living
94%

Dental Assistant Pay in Helena: What to Expect (2026)

Helena offers a median dental assistant salary of $39,109, which is $425 below the Montana state average of $39,534. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Helena's cost of living is 94% 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 Helena spans from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $55,200 at the 90th percentile — a $27,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,520, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,360. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Assistant Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $28,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,520
$-2,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,560
$-3,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $27,600
25th Percentile $32,200
Median (50th) $39,109
75th Percentile $47,840
90th Percentile $55,200

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$48,036
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$42,510
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$39,959
Pop. 117,116
Great Falls, MT
$36,559
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Helena

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Helena

Browse open dental assistant positions in Helena, MT:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Helena

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Helena, Montana is $39,109 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $55,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,109, a dental assistant in Helena earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Helena's median dental assistant salary of $39,109 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $39,534. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $39,109 in Helena has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Helena? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Helena 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.