Dental Assistant Salary in New Mexico
Based on 2K+ workers in New Mexico
Median Annual Salary (NM)
$44,400
$21.35/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-9.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $56K
2K employed in New Mexico
The median Dental Assistant salary in New Mexico is $44,400 per year, which translates to approximately $21 per hour. This figure is notably 9.6% lower than the national average for the profession. With an estimated 2,150 individuals employed in this role across the state, New Mexico offers a distinct salary landscape for dental assistants.
Several factors can influence the Dental Assistant salary in New Mexico. These include years of experience, the specific geographic location within the state, the size and type of dental practice, and any specialized certifications or skills a dental assistant may possess. Wider salary ranges, from $37,060 to $55,950, reflect these variations.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in New Mexico
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,060 |
| 25th percentile | $38,300 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $44,400 |
| 75th percentile | $47,160 |
| 90th percentile | $55,950 |
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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Mexico) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $44,400 |
| 2026 (projected) | $45,732 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Mexico Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $44,400 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $45,732 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in New Mexico
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $38,300 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $44,400 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $47,160 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $55,950 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in New Mexico
How other high-demand occupations in New Mexico compare to Dental Assistant ($44,400 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NM | $405,130 | +812.5% | $194.77/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in NM | $393,970 | +787.3% | $189.41/hr |
| Surgeon in NM | $363,940 | +719.7% | $174.97/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NM | $259,990 | +485.6% | $125.00/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NM | $228,040 | +413.6% | $109.63/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NM | $227,730 | +412.9% | $109.49/hr |
| Podiatrist in NM | $202,690 | +356.5% | $97.45/hr |
| Pediatrician in NM | $202,390 | +355.8% | $97.30/hr |
| Dentist in NM | $155,260 | +249.7% | $74.64/hr |
| Pharmacist in NM | $147,000 | +231.1% | $70.67/hr |
| Optometrist in NM | $144,660 | +225.8% | $69.55/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NM | $139,920 | +215.1% | $67.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in New Mexico?
- The median Dental Assistant salary in New Mexico is $44,400 annually, or about $21 per hour. This median falls within a broader salary range of $37,060 to $55,950 per year.
How does New Mexico's Dental Assistant pay compare to the national average?
- Dental Assistants in New Mexico earn 9.6% less than the national average. While the median in New Mexico is $44,400, the national median would be higher.
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Assistant in New Mexico?
- Most Dental Assistants in New Mexico can expect to earn between $37,060 and $55,950 per year. The median salary is $44,400, offering a good benchmark within this range.
Is the demand for Dental Assistants high in New Mexico?
- There are approximately 2,150 Dental Assistants employed in New Mexico. While this indicates a stable job market, further research would be needed to determine current demand trends beyond these employment numbers.