Healthcare Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #21 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in Pennsylvania

The median dental assistant salary in Pennsylvania is $42,085 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$42,085
vs National
$-425
State Rank
#21 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Dental Assistant Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $30,690, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,420 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,690
$-310 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,570
$-430 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,420
$-580 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $29,700
25th Percentile $34,650
Median (50th) $42,085
75th Percentile $51,480
90th Percentile $59,400

Dental Assistant Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Philadelphia, PA
$44,636
Pop. 1,603,797 · COL 102%
Pittsburgh, PA
$40,810
Pop. 302,971 · COL 93%
Allentown, PA
$41,235
Pop. 126,092 · COL 94%
Reading, PA
$38,684
Pop. 95,112 · COL 88%
Erie, PA
$36,984
Pop. 94,831 · COL 84%

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Pennsylvania

Browse open dental assistant positions in Pennsylvania:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Pennsylvania is $42,085 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $29,700 (10th percentile) to $59,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,085, a dental assistant in Pennsylvania earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for dental assistants? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #21 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $30,690, while senior professionals earn $57,420.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for dental assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. Pennsylvania's median of $42,085 ranks #21 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($42,510) and Nevada ($42,085).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level dental assistant in Pennsylvania earns approximately $30,690 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $42,570. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $57,420.
What city in Pennsylvania pays dental assistants the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for dental assistants, with a median salary of $44,636. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.