Dental Assistant Salary in Virginia Beach, VA: $44,210 (2026)

Dental Assistant Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median dental assistant salary of $44,210, which is $851 below the Virginia state average of $45,061. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% 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 Virginia Beach spans from $31,200 at the 10th percentile to $62,400 at the 90th percentile — a $31,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,240, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $60,320. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $32,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$32,240

+$1,240 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$44,720

+$1,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$60,320

+$2,320 vs national

Percentile	Virginia Beach	VA State	National
10th Percentile	$31,200	$31,800	$30,000
25th Percentile	$36,400	$37,100	$35,000
Median (50th)	$44,210	$45,061	$42,510
75th Percentile	$54,080	$55,120	$52,000
90th Percentile	$62,400	$63,600	$60,000

Percentile

Virginia Beach

10th Percentile

$31,200

25th Percentile

$36,400

Median (50th)

$44,210

75th Percentile

$54,080

90th Percentile

$62,400

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Virginia Beach

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼

The median dental assistant salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $44,210 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $31,200 (10th percentile) to $62,400 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $44,210, a dental assistant in Virginia Beach earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for dental assistant pay? ▼

Virginia Beach's median dental assistant salary of $44,210 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $45,061. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼

Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $44,210 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most dental assistant positions in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia