Dental Assistant Salary in Florida
Based on 27K+ workers in Florida
Median Annual Salary (FL)
$47,620
$22.89/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-3.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $59K
27K employed in Florida
The median Dental Assistant salary in Florida is $47,620 per year, which translates to about $23 per hour. This figure is slightly lower than the national average, with Florida dental assistants earning 3.0% less than their counterparts across the country. Currently, there are approximately 26,620 dental assistants employed in the state.
Several factors can influence a Dental Assistant salary in Florida. These include years of experience, the specific geographic location within the state, the type of dental practice (e.g., general dentistry vs. specialized), and any additional certifications or skills possessed by the assistant. The salary range typically falls between $37,800 and $58,880 annually.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Florida
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,800 |
| 25th percentile | $45,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,620 |
| 75th percentile | $54,690 |
| 90th percentile | $58,880 |
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 Florida 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 Florida vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Florida) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,049 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Florida Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,620 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,049 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Florida
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,120 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $54,690 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $58,880 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Florida
How other high-demand occupations in Florida compare to Dental Assistant ($47,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in FL | $465,370 | +877.3% | $223.74/hr |
| Surgeon in FL | $429,990 | +803.0% | $206.73/hr |
| Radiologist in FL | $417,690 | +777.1% | $200.81/hr |
| Cardiologist in FL | $414,910 | +771.3% | $199.48/hr |
| Psychiatrist in FL | $316,200 | +564.0% | $152.02/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in FL | $227,700 | +378.2% | $109.47/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in FL | $222,600 | +367.5% | $107.02/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in FL | $210,570 | +342.2% | $101.24/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in FL | $204,990 | +330.5% | $98.55/hr |
| Pediatrician in FL | $182,010 | +282.2% | $87.50/hr |
| Dentist in FL | $174,900 | +267.3% | $84.09/hr |
| Optometrist in FL | $151,670 | +218.5% | $72.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in Florida?
- The median salary for a Dental Assistant in Florida is $47,620 per year. This means half of all dental assistants in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less. Hourly, this median pay is approximately $23.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Florida?
- In Florida, the salary range for Dental Assistants generally falls between $37,800 and $58,880 annually. This range reflects variations in experience, location, and specific employer compensation structures.
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Florida compare to the national average?
- Dental Assistants in Florida tend to earn slightly less than the national average. The median salary in Florida is 3.0% lower than the national median for this profession.
What are the highest paying cities for Dental Assistants in Florida?
- While specific city data isn't provided, salaries for Dental Assistants in Florida can vary significantly by location. Generally, metropolitan areas and regions with a higher cost of living may offer salaries closer to the upper end of the $37,800 to $58,880 range.