Healthcare Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in Virginia

The median dental assistant salary in Virginia is $45,061 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$45,061
vs National
+$2,551
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Dental Assistant Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $32,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,480 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,860
+$1,860 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,580
+$2,580 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,480
+$3,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $31,800
25th Percentile $37,100
Median (50th) $45,061
75th Percentile $55,120
90th Percentile $63,600

Dental Assistant Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Virginia Beach, VA
$44,210
Pop. 449,974 · COL 102%
Norfolk, VA
$41,660
Pop. 238,005 · COL 96%
Richmond, VA
$43,360
Pop. 226,610 · COL 100%
Arlington, VA
$56,963
Pop. 238,643 · COL 132%
Chesapeake, VA
$42,510
Pop. 249,422 · COL 98%

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Browse open dental assistant positions in Virginia:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Virginia

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Virginia? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Virginia is $45,061 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $31,800 (10th percentile) to $63,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,061, a dental assistant in Virginia earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for dental assistants? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $32,860, while senior professionals earn $61,480.
How does Virginia compare to other states for dental assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. Virginia's median of $45,061 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($45,911) and Colorado ($45,486).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level dental assistant in Virginia earns approximately $32,860 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $45,580. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $61,480.
What city in Virginia pays dental assistants the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for dental assistants, with a median salary of $56,963. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.