Dental Assistant Salary in California
Based on 56K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$50,110
$24.09/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
+2.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $74K
56K employed in California
The median Dental Assistant salary in California is $50,110 per year, which translates to approximately $24 per hour. This figure is slightly higher than the national average, indicating a strong demand and competitive compensation for dental assistants in the Golden State. With over 56,000 employed professionals, California offers a substantial job market for this crucial role.
Several factors can influence the Dental Assistant salary in California. Experience levels play a significant role, with entry-level positions typically falling towards the lower end of the salary range, while seasoned professionals can expect to earn more. Location within California also matters, as major metropolitan areas often offer higher pay compared to rural regions, reflecting differences in the cost of living and demand.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,790 |
| 25th percentile | $46,270 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $50,110 |
| 75th percentile | $60,670 |
| 90th percentile | $73,700 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $50,110 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,613 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $50,110 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,613 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,270 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $50,110 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $60,670 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $73,700 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Dental Assistant ($50,110 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +605.4% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +526.4% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +501.2% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +483.5% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +439.9% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +402.9% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +327.3% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +306.8% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +301.7% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +270.4% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +236.3% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +231.2% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in California?
- The median Dental Assistant salary in California is $50,110 annually, or around $24 per hour. This median indicates that half of dental assistants earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for Dental Assistants in California?
- Dental Assistants in California can expect a salary range generally between $38,790 and $73,700 per year. This wide range reflects variations in experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.
How does a Dental Assistant's salary in California compare to the national average?
- The Dental Assistant salary in California is approximately 2.1% higher than the national average. This suggests that California offers a more competitive compensation package for dental assistants compared to many other states.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in California?
- There are a significant number of Dental Assistants working in California, with a total of 56,220 employed professionals. This large workforce points to robust job opportunities within the dental industry across the state.