Dental Assistant jobs in the USA

Dental Assistant pay in the USA

The median wage for Dental Assistant jobs in the US is $23.11 per hour ($48,069 a year full-time). Jobs on this page pay a median of $33.42/hour, from $23.38 to $36.00. Travel and contract jobs often pay more than staff positions because they include housing and meal stipends.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Pay in listings is converted to an hourly rate assuming 36–40 hours a week.

License and requirements

Most allied health roles need a national certification (for example ARRT for radiologic technologists, NBRC for respiratory therapists, NBSTSA for surgical technologists) and, in many states, a state license. Therapists (PT, OT, SLP) need a license from the state where they work; the PT and OT compacts let licensed therapists from member states get privileges faster.

Agencies hiring for Dental Assistant jobs

Dental Assistant jobs by state

FAQ

How much does a Dental Assistant make in the USA?

The median wage for Dental Assistant jobs in the US is $23.11 per hour (about $48,069 a year), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Dental Assistant jobs listed on ReferHire pay a median of $33.42 per hour.

How many Dental Assistant jobs are open in the USA?

12 Dental Assistant jobs from 2 staffing agencies are open on ReferHire right now.

What license do I need?

Most allied health roles need a national certification (for example ARRT for radiologic technologists, NBRC for respiratory therapists, NBSTSA for surgical technologists) and, in many states, a state license. Therapists (PT, OT, SLP) need a license from the state where they work; the PT and OT compacts let licensed therapists from member states get privileges faster.