Dental Assistants Salary in Pennsylvania
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - PA
Median Annual Salary in Pennsylvania
$43,440
$20.88 / hour
▲ 1.0% above national avg
National Median
$43,010
$20.68 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$42,714
Missouri equivalent (COL: 101.7)
Dental Assistants Salary in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $23,023 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,277 |
| 50th (Median) | $43,440 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,947 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $74,717 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
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Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The Pennsylvania median salary of $43,440 for Dental Assistants has the purchasing power of approximately $42,714 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
Pennsylvania's higher cost of living (COL index: 101.7) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Dental Assistants make in Pennsylvania?
Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania earn a median annual salary of $43,440 per year ($20.88/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is above the national median of $43,010.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for Dental Assistants?
Pennsylvania pays above the national average for dental assistants, making it a competitive market for this occupation. Cost of living in Pennsylvania is near the national average (COL index: 101.7).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 101.7 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $43,440 salary in Pennsylvania has the purchasing power of approximately $42,714 in Missouri. Higher living costs in Pennsylvania reduce real purchasing power.
How does Pennsylvania compare to neighboring states for Dental Assistants salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Dental Assistants salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in Pennsylvania
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $335,522 |
| 2 | Radiologists | $313,019 |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $309,282 |
| 4 | Neurologists | $298,556 |
| 5 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $274,599 |
| 6 | Psychiatrists | $252,296 |
| 7 | Physicians, Pathologists | $246,359 |
| 8 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $245,773 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania
Dental Assistants work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: Associate's degree