Healthcare Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Dental Assistant Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median dental assistant salary in Las Cruces, NM is $36,559 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$36,559
vs State Avg
$-2,125
vs National
$-5,951
Cost of Living
88%

Dental Assistant Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, 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 Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
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 New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$45,911
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$39,534
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$38,259
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$34,008
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Las Cruces

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Las Cruces and the surrounding New Mexico 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 Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open dental assistant positions in Las Cruces, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico 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 Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,559, a dental assistant in Las Cruces earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median dental assistant salary of $36,559 is 5.5% below the New Mexico state average of $38,684. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
Las Cruces has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $36,559 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Las Cruces? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Las Cruces 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.