Dental Assistant Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 12K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$47,930
$23.04/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-2.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $61K
12K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Dental Assistant salary in Pennsylvania is $47,930 per year, or approximately $23 per hour. This figure is slightly lower than the national average, with Pennsylvania Dental Assistants earning about 2.4% less. Over 12,000 Dental Assistants are currently employed in the state.
Several factors can influence the Dental Assistant salary in Pennsylvania. These include years of experience, the specific location within the state (e.g., urban versus rural areas), the type of dental practice (general dentistry versus specialized care), and additional certifications or skills held by the assistant.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,040 |
| 25th percentile | $45,620 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,930 |
| 75th percentile | $56,840 |
| 90th percentile | $61,430 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,930 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,368 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,930 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,368 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,620 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,930 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $56,840 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $61,430 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Dental Assistant ($47,930 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in PA | $579,120 | +1108.3% | $278.42/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in PA | $461,390 | +862.6% | $221.82/hr |
| Radiologist in PA | $455,380 | +850.1% | $218.93/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in PA | $306,030 | +538.5% | $147.13/hr |
| Psychiatrist in PA | $278,970 | +482.0% | $134.12/hr |
| Pediatrician in PA | $226,440 | +372.4% | $108.87/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in PA | $221,530 | +362.2% | $106.50/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in PA | $213,310 | +345.0% | $102.55/hr |
| Dentist in PA | $163,390 | +240.9% | $78.55/hr |
| Podiatrist in PA | $155,050 | +223.5% | $74.54/hr |
| Pharmacist in PA | $138,160 | +188.3% | $66.42/hr |
| Optometrist in PA | $135,400 | +182.5% | $65.10/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in Pennsylvania?
- The median salary for a Dental Assistant in Pennsylvania is $47,930 annually. This translates to an hourly wage of around $23 per hour for those working in the field.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania?
- The salary range for Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania typically falls between $38,040 and $61,430 per year. This indicates a significant variation based on experience and other factors.
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
- Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania earn approximately 2.4% less than the national average. The median salary in Pennsylvania is $47,930, while the national median is higher.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in Pennsylvania?
- There are approximately 12,080 Dental Assistants employed across Pennsylvania. This substantial number reflects the demand for these professionals in dental practices statewide.