The average hourly rates for dental assistants based on years of experience varied by more than $7 an hour, according to Dentalpost's Dental Salary Survey for 2024.
The report surveyed 346 full-time dental assistants from July to September 2023.
The average hourly wage for dental assistants in 2023 was $25.22, increasing by 8.24% from 2022.
The highest-earning group was dental assistants with more than 25 years of experience, bringing in an average of $27.37 per hour. Assistants with less than four years of experience were the lowest-earning group at $20.14 per hour, a difference of $7.23 per hour. Earnings for dental assistants increased in each experience bracket, with the highest earners having the most experience.
Here is the average hourly wage for dental assistants based on their experience level:
Less than four years of experience: $20.14 per hour
Four to six years of experience: $23.16 per hour
Six to nine years of experience: $23.75 per hour
Nine to 14 years of experience: $24.47 per hour
Fourteen to 19 years of experience: $25.75 per hour
Nineteen to 25 years of experience: $26.79 per hour
More than 25 years of experience: $27.37 per hour