Is becoming a dental assistant the fastest way to make 100k in NYC?
Is becoming a dental assistant the fastest way to make 100k in NYC?
Becoming a dental assistant is a fast and practical way to launch a healthcare career in New York City—but it’s not typically the fastest path to making $100,000 per year. Most dental assistants in NYC earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, with top earners—such as those in surgical specialties or with many years of experience—sometimes reaching $75,000 to $80,000. Reaching $100,000 in this field would usually require transitioning into higher roles like dental office manager, Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), or even going back to school to become a dental hygienist or dentist.
What Makes Dental Assisting a Great Choice:
You can be job-ready in under 12 months.
Programs like NYSMDA are affordable or tuition-free for many students.
It's a stable, growing profession with strong demand in NYC.
But if your goal is to make $100K quickly, faster-growing options might include:
Tech bootcamps (data analytics, coding, UX/UI)
Skilled trades (electrical, plumbing, elevator mechanics)
Real estate or commission-based sales (with hustle and risk)
That said, dental assisting offers job security, steady income, and healthcare benefits—and it can be a great stepping stone to more advanced roles that do cross the $100K threshold.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a real, stable, and respected career—not just a quick way into the workforce—becoming a licensed dental assistant is the way to go. And when it comes to training, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
