Dental Assistant Salary in Iowa
Based on 3K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$48,430
$23.28/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-1.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $60K
3K employed in Iowa
The median Dental Assistant salary in Iowa is $48,430 per year, which translates to approximately $23 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average, with Iowa's compensation coming in 1.4% lower. Currently, around 3,210 individuals are employed as Dental Assistants across the state.
Several factors can influence the Dental Assistant salary in Iowa. These include the specific dental practice's location within the state, the level of experience an assistant possesses, and the range of responsibilities they undertake. Larger or more specialized clinics may offer higher compensation than smaller general practices.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,360 |
| 25th percentile | $45,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $48,430 |
| 75th percentile | $57,620 |
| 90th percentile | $59,580 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,430 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,883 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,430 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,883 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $48,430 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $57,620 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $59,580 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Dental Assistant ($48,430 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +785.9% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +736.7% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +664.8% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +635.1% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +509.7% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +484.5% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +463.8% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +447.6% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +441.9% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +274.8% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +186.7% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +178.4% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in Iowa?
- The median Dental Assistant salary in Iowa is $48,430 annually. This equates to an hourly wage of about $23. The typical salary range for this role falls between $39,360 and $59,580 per year.
How does the salary for Dental Assistants in Iowa compare to the national average?
- Dental Assistant salaries in Iowa are slightly lower than the national average. On average, Iowa-based Dental Assistants earn 1.4% less than their counterparts across the country, with a median of $48,430 annually compared to the national median.
What is the salary range for a Dental Assistant in Iowa?
- The salary range for Dental Assistants in Iowa typically spans from $39,360 for entry-level positions to $59,580 for more experienced professionals. The median salary of $48,430 falls within this spectrum.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 3,210 Dental Assistants currently employed in Iowa. This number represents the active workforce in this dental support profession within the state.