Healthcare New Mexico (NM) Rank #33 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in New Mexico

The median dental assistant salary in New Mexico is $38,684 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$38,684
vs National
$-3,826
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Dental Assistant Salary in New Mexico by Experience

In New Mexico, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $28,210, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,780 per year. The cost of living index in New Mexico is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,210
$-2,790 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,130
$-3,870 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,780
$-5,220 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Mexico

Percentile NM Salary
10th Percentile $27,300
25th Percentile $31,850
Median (50th) $38,684
75th Percentile $47,320
90th Percentile $54,600

Dental Assistant Salary by City in New Mexico

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in New Mexico include Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Albuquerque, NM
$39,534
Pop. 564,559 · COL 95%
Las Cruces, NM
$36,559
Pop. 111,385 · COL 88%
Rio Rancho, NM
$38,259
Pop. 104,046 · COL 92%
Santa Fe, NM
$45,911
Pop. 87,505 · COL 110%
Roswell, NM
$34,008
Pop. 48,422 · COL 82%

How to Become a Dental Assistant in New Mexico

Education

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

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in New Mexico

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in New Mexico

Browse open dental assistant positions in New Mexico:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in New Mexico

How much does a Dental Assistant make in New Mexico? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in New Mexico is $38,684 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $27,300 (10th percentile) to $54,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in New Mexico? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,684, a dental assistant in New Mexico earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Mexico a good state for dental assistants? ▼
New Mexico ranks #33 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $28,210, while senior professionals earn $52,780.
How does New Mexico compare to other states for dental assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. New Mexico's median of $38,684 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($39,109) and Louisiana ($38,684).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in New Mexico? ▼
An entry-level dental assistant in New Mexico earns approximately $28,210 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $39,130. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $52,780.
What city in New Mexico pays dental assistants the most? ▼
Santa Fe is the highest paying city in New Mexico for dental assistants, with a median salary of $45,911. Other cities include Albuquerque and Las Cruces.