Healthcare Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Dental Assistant Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median dental assistant salary in Columbia, SC is $38,259 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$38,259
vs State Avg
+$425
vs National
$-4,251
Cost of Living
90%

Dental Assistant Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $27,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,900
$-3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,700
$-4,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $27,000
25th Percentile $31,500
Median (50th) $38,259
75th Percentile $46,800
90th Percentile $54,000

Dental Assistant Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$44,636
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$42,510
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$40,385
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$39,109
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Columbia

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Columbia

Browse open dental assistant positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Columbia

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $38,259 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $54,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,259, a dental assistant in Columbia earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Columbia's median dental assistant salary of $38,259 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $37,834. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $38,259 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Columbia? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Columbia 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.