California ranks 13th of 51 states and D.C. for dental assistants pay, trailing top-paying Minnesota ($64,630) by $15,720 — a 32% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $38,770 to $72,060 — a $33,290 spread, 30% wider than the national $25,590 range.
Dental Assistants are more concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.24 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.24× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $38,770 | $18.64 |
| 25th percentile | $45,630 | $21.94 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,910 | $23.51 |
| 75th percentile | $59,960 | $28.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,060 | $34.64 |
| Mean (average) | $53,570 | $25.76 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $48,910 | n/a |
| Minnesota | $64,630 | +32% |
| Massachusetts | $57,960 | +19% |
| Oregon | $57,720 | +18% |
| Washington | $57,040 | +17% |
| District of Columbia | $56,500 | +16% |
| Alaska | $55,950 | +14% |
| Maine | $51,340 | +5% |
| North Dakota | $51,310 | +5% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $48,720 | 103,090 |
| Orderlies | $48,550 | 5,140 |
| Travel Agents | $48,540 | 5,780 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $49,310 | 7,560 |
| Massage Therapists | $48,430 | 15,240 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | $49,640 | 45,210 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Assistants salary in California?
The mean dental assistants salary in California is $53,570 per year. The median (middle) salary is $48,910 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Dental Assistants in California?
Entry-level dental assistantss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $38,770 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $45,630 per year.
What is the highest Dental Assistants salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $72,060 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $59,960 per year.
How does the California Dental Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median dental assistants salary in California is $48,910, which is +3% above national average of $47,300.