Dental Assistants Salary in Los Angeles, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Median annual salary $46,360 -2% vs national
Median hourly $22.29
10th percentile $38,460
90th percentile $57,960
Employed locally 19,300
National median $47,300

Compare Dental Assistants salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Los Angeles, CA stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Dental Assistants
in
Los Angeles, CA
vs

    In Los Angeles, CA, dental assistants earn a median annual salary of $46,360, which translates to an hourly wage of $22.29. This figure is slightly below the national median annual salary for dental assistants at $47,300. When compared to local household income data, the typical earnings of dental assistants in this region are significantly lower than the area's median household income, which stands at $93,525. The disparity indicates that dental assistants' salaries constitute less than half of the median household income in Los Angeles, reflecting a notable difference between individual professional earnings and broader economic metrics within the locality.

    The salary range for dental assistants in Los Angeles varies significantly depending on experience levels. Entry-level workers earn around the 10th percentile mark at $38,460 annually, while those with more experience can make up to the 90th percentile at $57,960 per year. The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as accumulated skills, job performance, and additional responsibilities undertaken over time. Experienced dental assistants often have enhanced competencies in patient interaction, advanced procedural tasks, and possibly supervisory roles, which justify their higher earnings compared to those just starting their careers in the field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,460
    25th
    $45,500
    50th (median)
    $46,360
    75th
    $49,420
    90th
    $57,960

    Los Angeles economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,525 2023 • Census ACS
    Dental Assistants salary vs area income 50% Median Dental Assistants salary is 50% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Dental Assistants make per hour in Los Angeles?

    The median hourly wage for Dental Assistants in Los Angeles, CA is $22.29, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.32 or more per hour.

    Is Los Angeles above or below average for Dental Assistants salaries?

    The median Dental Assistants salary in Los Angeles, CA is 2% below the national median of $47,300. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Dental Assistants in Los Angeles?

    Entry-level Dental Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $38,460 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,500.