Average Dental Assistants Salary in Albuquerque, NM
Dental Assistants in Albuquerque, NM, earn an average annual salary of $42,190. This figure is notably below the national average of $48,760, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The specific economic conditions and healthcare sector needs within Albuquerque play a significant role in shaping the pay scale for these essential professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,290.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 930 Dental Assistants and a Location Quotient of 0.95, Albuquerque presents a stable, albeit slightly below-average concentration, job market for this profession. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady presence, suggesting consistent demand that supports the existing workforce without significant oversupply or undersupply pressures. This equilibrium points to a robust but not rapidly expanding job market.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Albuquerque, NM earns-13.5%below the national average.
$20.3
$811
$3,516
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Dental Assistant salaries in Albuquerque have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the healthcare sector. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for dental services, and advancements in dental technology likely contribute to a modest upward trajectory in compensation, aiming to keep pace with the rising cost of living and industry standards.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Albuquerque, NM
The career path for Dental Assistants in Albuquerque typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior Dental Assistants highlight clear opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $34,720 | $16.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $31,643 | $15.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $40,010 | $19.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $52,738 | $25.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $54,290 | $26.1 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,190 in Albuquerque aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, its purchasing power locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the compensation for Dental Assistants in Albuquerque offers a standard of living comparable to the national benchmark, without the financial strain of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
930
Total Jobs
2.317
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Albuquerque, NM has 0.95x the national average concentration of Dental Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Albuquerque's Location Quotient of 0.95 indicates that the concentration of Dental Assistants is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where the number of professionals is well-balanced with the available opportunities. While not a significantly concentrated area for this role, the stable presence implies consistent demand and a healthy environment for those seeking employment or career advancement in dental assistance.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $40,750↓ 3% | 29 mi |
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $46,680↑ 11% | 29 mi |
| Santa Fe, NM Dental Assistants Salary | $45,510↑ 8% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albuquerque, NM
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Albuquerque, NM is $42,190. This typically ranges from $34,720 for entry-level positions to $54,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albuquerque, NM is 13.5% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Albuquerque, NM a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the Cost of Living is at the national average, the average salary for Dental Assistants in Albuquerque is below the national average. This indicates that the earning potential is comparable to the national standard of living but does not offer a substantial financial advantage.
Is Albuquerque, NM a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Albuquerque, NM is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albuquerque, NM?
Some top paying nearby cities include Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area ($40,750) and Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in Albuquerque, NM?
The average annual salary for a Dental Assistant in Albuquerque, NM is $42,190.
How does Albuquerque's Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Albuquerque ($42,190) is lower than the national average ($48,760) for Dental Assistants.
What is the Cost of Living in Albuquerque, NM?
Albuquerque, NM has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the Dental Assistant job market in Albuquerque?
The job market concentration for Dental Assistants in Albuquerque is indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.95, which is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 930 employees in the Albuquerque, NM area with a job density of 2.317 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albuquerque, NM