Dental Assistant Salary in Missouri
Based on 7K+ workers in Missouri
Median Annual Salary (MO)
$45,970
$22.10/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-6.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $59K
7K employed in Missouri
The median Dental Assistant salary in Missouri is $45,970 per year, which equates to approximately $22 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average, with Missouri-based Dental Assistants earning 6.4% less. Currently, there are an estimated 6,760 Dental Assistants employed across the state.
Several factors can influence the Dental Assistant salary in Missouri. These include the specific geographic location within the state, the size and type of dental practice, and the level of experience and specialized skills an assistant possesses. Further contributing to pay variations are the demand for dental services in a particular area and the benefits package offered by an employer.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Missouri
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,580 |
| 25th percentile | $38,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $45,970 |
| 75th percentile | $50,150 |
| 90th percentile | $59,410 |
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 Missouri 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 Missouri vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Missouri) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,970 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,349 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Missouri Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,970 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,349 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Missouri
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $38,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $45,970 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $50,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $59,410 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Missouri
How other high-demand occupations in Missouri compare to Dental Assistant ($45,970 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in MO | $648,070 | +1309.8% | $311.57/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MO | $456,280 | +892.6% | $219.37/hr |
| Psychiatrist in MO | $312,680 | +580.2% | $150.33/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MO | $242,630 | +427.8% | $116.65/hr |
| Pediatrician in MO | $223,910 | +387.1% | $107.65/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MO | $216,570 | +371.1% | $104.12/hr |
| Dentist in MO | $204,960 | +345.9% | $98.54/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MO | $171,180 | +272.4% | $82.30/hr |
| Pharmacist in MO | $137,610 | +199.3% | $66.16/hr |
| Physician Assistant in MO | $135,130 | +194.0% | $64.97/hr |
| Optometrist in MO | $133,810 | +191.1% | $64.33/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MO | $130,220 | +183.3% | $62.61/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Assistant in Missouri?
- The salary range for a Dental Assistant in Missouri generally falls between $36,580 and $59,410 annually. This means that while the median is $45,970, many professionals earn less or more depending on various factors.
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
- The typical Dental Assistant salary in Missouri is 6.4% lower than the national average. While the median in Missouri is $45,970, the national median is higher, indicating a slightly lower earning potential within the state.
What is the hourly wage for a Dental Assistant in Missouri?
- On average, Dental Assistants in Missouri earn around $22 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the median annual salary of $45,970.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in Missouri?
- There are approximately 6,760 Dental Assistants employed in Missouri. This number reflects the current demand and prevalence of this healthcare role within the state.