Dental Assistants
Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.
Median salary
$48,070/yr
Typical range
$44,340 – $58,090
Education
High school diploma
Time to entry
No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning
What a Dental Assistants does
You'll support dentists by preparing patients, sterilizing instruments, taking X-rays, and ensuring smooth clinical operations in dental offices. This role offers direct patient interaction and solid job security in healthcare.
Education & path
The typical entry point is a high school diploma. No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning.
Estimated cost of that path: No degree cost. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.
Related careers
- Nursing Assistants — $42,260/yr
- Medical Assistants — $45,690/yr
- Phlebotomists — $45,230/yr
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers — $38,150/yr
- Physical Therapist Assistants — $68,380/yr
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