Which dental assistants get paid the most?
Which dental assistants get paid the most?
Who Gets Paid the Most as a Dental Assistant—And Why New York City Is One of the Best Places to Build a High-Income Career
If you're considering a future as a dental assistant—or already working in the field and looking to level up—understanding where the best pay comes from is crucial. Across the United States, dental assistants earn widely varying salaries depending on location, training, experience, and specialization. In high-demand cities like New York City, those factors converge to create some of the highest-earning opportunities in the profession.
Whether you're planning your first step or aiming to move up the ladder, here's a deep and practical breakdown of who earns the most as a dental assistant—and how NYC stacks up as a launchpad for financial success.
National Averages vs. Top Earnings
Across the country, the average dental assistant salary sits around $45,000 to $48,000 per year. But top earners—those in the upper 10% of the profession—can bring in $60,000 to $75,000 annually, and in some specialized roles or premium cities, salaries can exceed $80,000.
These high-end salaries aren't typical right out of school. But with the right training, certifications, and smart career choices, they’re very achievable—especially in cities like New York.
Top-Paying States and Why They Pay More
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and current industry reports, the states with the highest average salaries for dental assistants in 2025 include:
Minnesota – Around $63,680 per year
Massachusetts – Approx. $56,810 per year
Oregon – Close to $55,960 per year
Washington, D.C. – About $55,100 per year
Washington State – Around $54,040 per year
These states tend to offer higher pay due to a combination of:
Licensing and certification requirements (often mandatory for advanced roles)
Higher cost of living (especially in metro areas)
Demand for expanded function or specialized assistants
Stronger union or professional networks advocating for pay equity
NYC: A High-Paying, High-Opportunity Hub
While not technically a state, New York City consistently ranks as one of the top-paying urban markets for dental assistants. The city’s average hourly rate is about $24.73, or roughly $51,438 per year for full-time work. That’s just the average—experienced or specialized dental assistants can earn $60,000 to $75,000, particularly in high-end private practices in Manhattan or surgical and orthodontic clinics across the five boroughs.
Why does NYC pay so well?
Volume of Clinics: Thousands of practices, from family dentistry to high-end cosmetic and surgical offices
Diverse Patient Needs: Multilingual, multicultural care requires skilled assistants with adaptability
Premium Services: A significant number of NYC dental offices focus on elective cosmetic procedures, implants, or orthodontics—which often carry higher price tags and higher assistant wages
High Cost of Living: To attract and retain talent in a competitive labor market, clinics often raise wages
If you're credentialed, experienced, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment, NYC is a fertile market for climbing the salary ladder quickly.
Specialties That Boost Your Paycheck
To earn top-tier wages, dental assistants often move into more specialized roles. Here are some of the best-paying niches within the field:
Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA):
Perform more advanced procedures like placing fillings or sealants
Earn up to $70,000+, depending on the state
Requires additional certification and training
Orthodontic Assistant:
Specialize in braces, aligners, and orthodontic appliances
Often earn $60,000 to $72,000+, particularly in private orthodontic practices in cities like NYC
Surgical/Oral Surgery Assistant:
Assist in outpatient dental surgeries, sedation dentistry, or hospital-based procedures
Can earn $65,000 to $80,000+ with experience
Implant Coordinator or Treatment Plan Specialist:
Work with patients on multi-appointment implant cases and coordinate complex treatment plans
Often command $70,000+, especially in premium cosmetic clinics
Lead Dental Assistant / Office Manager Hybrid Roles:
Manage a team of assistants, supplies, and scheduling in addition to clinical work
Earnings range from $65,000 to $85,000 depending on practice size
How to Reach the Top Tier of Dental Assistant Salaries
Want to join the top 10% of dental assistant earners? Here’s what it takes:
Get Certified:
The Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is the industry gold standard. Certified assistants regularly earn $5 to $10 more per hour than uncertified peers.Specialize:
Seek out additional training in areas like orthodontics, surgical dentistry, radiology, or expanded functions (EFDA programs, where available). Employers will pay a premium for assistants who bring more to the table.Choose Your Market Wisely:
Living in high-wage areas like NYC, San Francisco, or Portland means higher costs—but also higher earning potential and faster access to career growth.Gain Experience Strategically:
Don’t just stay in the same general practice for five years. Move into high-end practices, multi-specialty offices, or surgical centers where you can gain advanced experience and negotiate better pay.Network and Upskill:
Attend dental conferences, join state associations, and stay up to date on industry trends and tech. Your professionalism and initiative will make you a more attractive candidate for promotions and raises.
Final Word: NYC Is One of the Best Cities to Maximize Your Career and Earnings
While top-paying states like Minnesota and Oregon offer strong income potential, New York City remains one of the best urban markets for dental assistants who want to earn more, do more, and grow fast. The combination of high demand, competitive wages, advanced practices, and access to world-class training makes NYC one of the most dynamic and rewarding places to work in dental healthcare.
Whether you're a new graduate or a seasoned assistant looking for more, NYC offers not just a job—but a long-term career with real upward mobility and strong financial rewards. With the right credentials, a strategic mindset, and a willingness to learn, you can join the ranks of the highest-paid dental assistants in the field—and build a future you're proud of.
If you're searching for more than just a job—a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential—then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Moreover, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, 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.
