Average Dental Assistants Salary in Ames, IA
The average salary for a Dental Assistants in Ames, IA is $48,140. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,320.
- Outlook: The current demand for Dental Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 130 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Ames, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Ames, IA earns-1.3%below the national average.
$23.2
$926
$4,012
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Dental Assistants salaries in Ames, IA have remained stable with a modest increase of 2.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
The earning potential for Dental Assistantss in Ames, IA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $38,830, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $58,320.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $38,830 | $18.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $36,105 | $17.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $47,530 | $22.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $60,175 | $28.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $58,320 | $28 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Ames, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $48,140 to $48,140.
Job Market Context
130
Total Jobs
2.31
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Ames, IA 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.
130 people work as Dental Assistants in Ames, IA.
Moderate density — roughly 2.31 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $43,840↓ 9% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $47,630↓ 1% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $47,270↓ 2% | 21 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $46,270↓ 4% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $51,810↑ 8% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Ames, IA is $48,140. This typically ranges from $38,830 for entry-level positions to $58,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 1.3% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Ames, IA a good place for Dental Assistantss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Dental Assistants salary in Ames, IA is $48,140 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Ames, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Ames, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Ames, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($43,840) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 130 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 2.31 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 Ames, IA