Dental Assistant Salary in Montana
Based on 1K+ workers in Montana
Median Annual Salary (MT)
$46,680
$22.44/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-4.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $58K
1K employed in Montana
The median Dental Assistant salary in Montana is $46,680 per year, which translates to approximately $22 per hour. This figure is 4.9% lower than the national average, reflecting regional economic factors. Montana employs around 1,450 dental assistants across the state.
Several factors can influence the Dental Assistant salary in Montana. These include the specific geographic location within the state, the size and type of dental practice, years of experience, and any specialized certifications or additional skills held by the assistant. Pay typically falls between $37,340 and $57,900 annually.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Montana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,340 |
| 25th percentile | $43,820 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $46,680 |
| 75th percentile | $49,920 |
| 90th percentile | $57,900 |
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 Montana 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 Montana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Montana) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $46,680 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,080 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Montana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $46,680 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,080 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $43,820 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $46,680 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $49,920 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $57,900 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Montana
How other high-demand occupations in Montana compare to Dental Assistant ($46,680 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MT | $360,330 | +671.9% | $173.24/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MT | $330,760 | +608.6% | $159.02/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MT | $277,380 | +494.2% | $133.36/hr |
| Pediatrician in MT | $273,260 | +485.4% | $131.38/hr |
| Dentist in MT | $167,200 | +258.2% | $80.38/hr |
| Pharmacist in MT | $142,080 | +204.4% | $68.31/hr |
| Physician Assistant in MT | $141,470 | +203.1% | $68.01/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in MT | $137,210 | +193.9% | $65.97/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in MT | $105,840 | +126.7% | $50.88/hr |
| Optometrist in MT | $104,280 | +123.4% | $50.13/hr |
| Veterinarian in MT | $99,390 | +112.9% | $47.78/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in MT | $98,440 | +110.9% | $47.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistant typically make in Montana?
- The median salary for a Dental Assistant in Montana is $46,680 per year. Most Dental Assistants in the state earn between $37,340 and $57,900 annually.
What is the hourly rate for a Dental Assistant in Montana?
- Dental Assistants in Montana can expect to earn an average of $22 per hour. This hourly wage aligns with the annual median salary of $46,680.
How does the average Dental Assistant salary in Montana compare to the national average?
- The average Dental Assistant salary in Montana is 4.9% lower than the national average. While the median in Montana is $46,680, the national median is higher.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Montana?
- The salary range for Dental Assistants in Montana is quite broad. Entry-level positions might start around $37,340 per year, while experienced professionals can earn up to $57,900 annually.