Dental Assistant Salary in Albany, NY: $43,785 (2026)

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

Albany offers a median dental assistant salary of $43,785, which is $10,203 below the New York state average of $53,988. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Albany pays above average for this role.

Albany's cost of living is 98% 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 Albany spans from $30,900 at the 10th percentile to $61,800 at the 90th percentile — a $30,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,930, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,740. Albany is a smaller market (pop. 99,224), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Assistant Salary in Albany by Experience

In Albany, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $31,930, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,740 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$31,930

+$930 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$44,290

+$1,290 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$59,740

+$1,740 vs national

Percentile	Albany	NY State	National
10th Percentile	$30,900	$38,100	$30,000
25th Percentile	$36,050	$44,450	$35,000
Median (50th)	$43,785	$53,988	$42,510
75th Percentile	$53,560	$66,040	$52,000
90th Percentile	$61,800	$76,200	$60,000

Percentile

Albany

10th Percentile

$30,900

25th Percentile

$36,050

Median (50th)

$43,785

75th Percentile

$53,560

90th Percentile

$61,800

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Albany

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Albany

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Albany, NY? ▼

The median dental assistant salary in Albany, New York is $43,785 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $30,900 (10th percentile) to $61,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Albany? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $43,785, a dental assistant in Albany earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Albany compare to the New York state average for dental assistant pay? ▼

Albany's median dental assistant salary of $43,785 is 18.9% below the New York state average of $53,988. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Albany, NY? ▼

Albany has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $43,785 in Albany has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Albany? ▼

Most dental assistant positions in Albany 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.

Dental Assistant Salary in Albany, New York