Dental Assistant Salary in Indiana
Based on 7K+ workers in Indiana
Median Annual Salary (IN)
$48,670
$23.40/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-0.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $61K
7K employed in Indiana
The median Dental Assistant salary in Indiana is $48,670 per year, which translates to approximately $23 per hour. This figure is just slightly below the national average, indicating a competitive but stable market for dental assistants in the Hoosier State. The typical salary range for these professionals falls between $36,880 and $60,590 annually.
Several factors can influence a Dental Assistant salary in Indiana, including years of experience, the specific dental practice, and geographic location within the state. Larger urban areas may offer higher pay, while specialized skills or additional certifications could also command a higher income. Understanding these variables is key to navigating the compensation landscape.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Indiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,880 |
| 25th percentile | $45,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $48,670 |
| 75th percentile | $57,720 |
| 90th percentile | $60,590 |
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 Indiana 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 Indiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Indiana) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,670 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,130 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Indiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,670 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,130 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Indiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $48,670 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $57,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $60,590 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Indiana
How other high-demand occupations in Indiana compare to Dental Assistant ($48,670 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IN | $588,890 | +1110.0% | $283.12/hr |
| Surgeon in IN | $459,300 | +843.7% | $220.82/hr |
| Radiologist in IN | $430,640 | +784.8% | $207.04/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in IN | $394,060 | +709.7% | $189.45/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IN | $351,990 | +623.2% | $169.23/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IN | $347,060 | +613.1% | $166.86/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IN | $314,390 | +546.0% | $151.15/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IN | $284,110 | +483.7% | $136.59/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IN | $261,940 | +438.2% | $125.93/hr |
| Pediatrician in IN | $177,300 | +264.3% | $85.24/hr |
| Dentist in IN | $166,650 | +242.4% | $80.12/hr |
| Pharmacist in IN | $144,290 | +196.5% | $69.37/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Assistant in Indiana?
- In Indiana, the salary range for a Dental Assistant typically falls between $36,880 and $60,590 per year. This broad spectrum means that entry-level positions often start at the lower end, while experienced assistants in high-demand areas may earn closer to the upper limit.
How does the average Dental Assistant salary in Indiana compare to the national average?
- The average Dental Assistant salary in Indiana is approximately 0.9% lower than the national average. While this is a minor difference, it suggests that compensation in Indiana is generally in line with, or slightly below, the national trend for this profession.
What is the median annual salary for a Dental Assistant in Indiana?
- The median annual salary for a Dental Assistant in Indiana is $48,670. This means that half of all Dental Assistants in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less, providing a good benchmark for expected earnings.
Is the demand for Dental Assistants high in Indiana?
- With 6,690 Dental Assistants employed in Indiana, the profession has a significant presence. While specific demand can fluctuate, this number indicates a consistent need for qualified individuals in dental practices across the state.