Healthcare Akron, OH Pop. 190,469

Dental Assistant Salary in Akron, Ohio

The median dental assistant salary in Akron, OH is $36,559 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$36,559
vs State Avg
$-2,550
vs National
$-5,951
Cost of Living
84%

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

Akron offers a median dental assistant salary of $36,559, which is $2,550 below the Ohio state average of $39,109. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Akron pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Akron's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $36,559 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $43,523 in an average-cost city. This makes Akron an attractive option for dental assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental assistants in Akron 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. With a population of 190,469, Akron is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Akron by Experience

In Akron, 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 84% 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 Akron, OH

Percentile Akron
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 Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$41,235
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$39,109
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$37,409
Pop. 372,624
Toledo, OH
$35,708
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Akron

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Akron

Browse open dental assistant positions in Akron, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Akron

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Akron, OH? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Akron, Ohio 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 Akron? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,559, a dental assistant in Akron earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Akron compare to the Ohio state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Akron's median dental assistant salary of $36,559 is 6.5% below the Ohio state average of $39,109. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Akron, OH? ▼
Akron has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $36,559 in Akron has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Akron? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Akron 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.