Iowa ranks 21st of 51 states and D.C. for dental assistants pay, trailing top-paying Minnesota ($64,630) by $16,810 — a 35% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $38,640 to $59,010 — a $20,370 spread, 20% tighter than the national $25,590 range.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $38,640 | $18.58 |
| 25th percentile | $45,520 | $21.88 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $47,820 | $22.99 |
| 75th percentile | $54,680 | $26.29 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,010 | $28.37 |
| Mean (average) | $49,020 | $23.57 |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $47,820 | n/a |
| Minnesota | $64,630 | +35% |
| Massachusetts | $57,960 | +21% |
| Oregon | $57,720 | +21% |
| Washington | $57,040 | +19% |
| District of Columbia | $56,500 | +18% |
| Alaska | $55,950 | +17% |
| Maine | $51,340 | +7% |
| North Dakota | $51,310 | +7% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $47,850 | 2,320 |
| Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | $47,890 | 1,570 |
| Construction Laborers | $47,700 | 13,420 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $48,050 | 430 |
| Graphic Designers | $47,560 | 2,230 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $47,530 | 2,990 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Assistants salary in Iowa?
The mean dental assistants salary in Iowa is $49,020 per year. The median (middle) salary is $47,820 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Dental Assistants in Iowa?
Entry-level dental assistantss (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $38,640 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $45,520 per year.
What is the highest Dental Assistants salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $59,010 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $54,680 per year.
How does the Iowa Dental Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median dental assistants salary in Iowa is $47,820, which is +1% above national average of $47,300.