Dental Assistant Salary in Arizona
Based on 9K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$49,000
$23.56/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-0.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $59K
9K employed in Arizona
The median Dental Assistant salary in Arizona is $49,000 per year, which translates to approximately $24 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average, with Arizona's compensation for this role showing a -0.2% difference. There are currently 8,680 Dental Assistants employed in the state, indicating a steady demand for these professionals.
Several factors can influence the Dental Assistant salary in Arizona. These include the specific location within the state, the size and type of dental practice, and the level of experience and specialized skills an assistant possesses. Years of experience and additional certifications can significantly impact earning potential, moving salaries from the lower end of the $38,500 range upwards towards the $59,380 maximum.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,500 |
| 25th percentile | $46,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $49,000 |
| 75th percentile | $57,880 |
| 90th percentile | $59,380 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Assistants in Arizona tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $71,800 | 50 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $55,270 | 6K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $54,260 | — |
| Manufacturing | $52,290 | 130 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,020 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Assistant in Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,470 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,000 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,470 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $49,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $57,880 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $59,380 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Dental Assistant ($49,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in AZ | $470,640 | +860.5% | $226.27/hr |
| Surgeon in AZ | $415,980 | +748.9% | $199.99/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AZ | $369,720 | +654.5% | $177.75/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AZ | $292,760 | +497.5% | $140.75/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AZ | $259,320 | +429.2% | $124.67/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AZ | $249,720 | +409.6% | $120.06/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AZ | $248,660 | +407.5% | $119.55/hr |
| Pediatrician in AZ | $233,950 | +377.4% | $112.48/hr |
| Dentist in AZ | $194,180 | +296.3% | $93.36/hr |
| Veterinarian in AZ | $152,020 | +210.2% | $73.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in AZ | $146,930 | +199.9% | $70.64/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in AZ | $140,960 | +187.7% | $67.77/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in Arizona?
- The median Dental Assistant salary in Arizona is $49,000 per year. On an hourly basis, this averages out to about $24 per hour for full-time work.
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Assistant in Arizona?
- The salary range for Dental Assistants in Arizona generally falls between $38,500 and $59,380 annually. This broad range reflects variations in experience and location within the state.
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Arizona compare to the national average?
- The Dental Assistant salary in Arizona is very close to the national average, with a difference of -0.2%. This means Arizona's median salary is slightly lower than the national median.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in Arizona?
- There are an estimated 8,680 Dental Assistants currently employed in Arizona. This number suggests a healthy job market for this profession within the state.