📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Dental Assistant Salary in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania · 1.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$45,481
per year
Median
$43,322
per year
Hourly
$21.87
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$31,669
25th Percentile — Junior$38,236
50th Percentile — Median$43,322
75th Percentile — Senior$53,014
90th Percentile — Top Earners$57,836
💡 Top-earning Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania make up to $57,836 per year. The job market in Pennsylvania is rated strong, with key industries including Healthcare, Education, Finance.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$37.7k
2021
$39.2k
2022
$40.7k
2023
$42.2k
2024
$43.8k
2025
$45.5k
2026
📈 Dental Assistant salaries in Pennsylvania have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong demand in Pennsylvania's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Dental Assistant Salary by City in Pennsylvania
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Philadelphia $49,119 +8.0% High
Pittsburgh $44,571 -2.0% High
🔍
Dental Assistant Job Market in Pennsylvania
Key factors affecting compensation

Pennsylvania is home to a strong job market for Dental Assistants. The state's key industries — Healthcare, Education, Finance — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $45,481 per year, Pennsylvania's Dental Assistant salaries are 1.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Pennsylvania (index: 0.99) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Pennsylvania can expect to earn $31,669–$38,236, while experienced Dental Assistants can command $53,014–$57,836.

Looking ahead, the Dental Assistant profession in Pennsylvania is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Healthcare continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Dental Assistant salary in Pennsylvania is $45,481 per year in 2026, which is 1.0% below the national average of $45,940.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Dental Assistants the highest wages in Pennsylvania due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Pennsylvania has a strong job market with major industries in Healthcare, Education, Finance. This makes it one of the better states for Dental Assistant employment.
  • At $45,481/year, Pennsylvania Dental Assistant salaries are 1.0% lower than the national average of $45,940/year.