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Average Dental Assistants Salary in Ann Arbor, MI

Dental Assistants in Ann Arbor, MI, earn an average annual salary of $48,820, a figure that aligns almost perfectly with the national average of $48,760. This close parity suggests that local economic factors and the demand for dental services in Ann Arbor are currently balancing out to maintain a salary consistent with broader U.S. trends. The specific compensation in this Michigan city is influenced by a combination of local healthcare needs and the overall economic climate.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $48,820 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,780.
  • Outlook: Ann Arbor presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for Dental Assistants, with a total local workforce of 440 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates a slightly lower concentration of Dental Assistants compared to the national average, suggesting that while the profession is present, it's not a dominant sector. The rate of 2.029 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces this, pointing to a steady but not rapidly expanding demand for these essential healthcare professionals within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$48,820

The average Dental Assistants in Ann Arbor, MI earns+0.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.5

Weekly

$939

Monthly

$4,068

Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Ann Arbor, MI

The career path for Dental Assistants in Ann Arbor offers clear opportunities for salary growth, with entry-level positions typically starting at the lower end of the pay scale and senior or specialized roles commanding higher compensation. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior Dental Assistants signify substantial earning potential as experience, skills, and responsibilities increase, reflecting a robust career progression within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$37,220$17.9
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$36,615$17.6
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$50,340$24.2
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$61,025$29.3
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$57,780$27.8

Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$48,820

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$48,820

Adjusted for COL (100)

For Dental Assistants considering a move to Ann Arbor, MI, the nominal average annual salary of $48,820 is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Ann Arbor Dental Assistant's salary is equivalent to that of a Dental Assistant earning the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.

Job Market Context

440

Total Jobs

2.029

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Ann Arbor, MI has 0.83x 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.

Ann Arbor's Location Quotient of 0.83 for Dental Assistants suggests a job market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while there is a solid presence of Dental Assistants, the field is not overly saturated, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers. It implies that opportunities exist without the intense competition often seen in areas with a significantly higher concentration of professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants

Comparing salaries near Ann Arbor, MI

Hiring Dental Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Assistants make in Ann Arbor, MI?

The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Ann Arbor, MI is $48,820. This typically ranges from $37,220 for entry-level positions to $57,780 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Ann Arbor, MI is 0.1% higher than the national median of $48,760.

Is Ann Arbor, MI a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $48,820 is nearly identical to the national average, and the Cost of Living Index of 100 means purchasing power is also on par with the national average.

Is Ann Arbor, MI a good place to live for Dental Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Ann Arbor, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Ann Arbor, MI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Monroe, MI ($44,250) and Jackson, MI.

How does Ann Arbor's cost of living compare to the national average for Dental Assistants?

Ann Arbor's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the expenses for everyday living in Ann Arbor are comparable to the average across the United States.

Is the job market for Dental Assistants in Ann Arbor growing rapidly?

The market appears stable rather than rapidly growing, with a Location Quotient of 0.83 suggesting a slightly lower concentration of Dental Assistants compared to the national average, indicating steady but not explosive demand.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Dental Assistants in Ann Arbor?

An LQ of 0.83 means that Ann Arbor has 0.83 times the number of Dental Assistants per worker as the national average. This suggests a slightly lower concentration of the profession in the local workforce.

How does experience impact a Dental Assistant's salary in Ann Arbor?

Experience is a key factor in salary progression. Entry-level Dental Assistants typically earn less, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting career advancement.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Ann Arbor, MI area with a job density of 2.029 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.