Average Dental Assistants Salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA
The average salary for Dental Assistantss in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $41,310. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Athens-Clarke County, GA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,650.
- Outlook: The current demand for Dental Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Athens-Clarke County, GA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Athens-Clarke County, GA earns-15.3%below the national average.
$19.9
$794
$3,443
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Dental Assistants salaries in Athens-Clarke County, GA have seen a slight adjustment of -6.0%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Athens-Clarke County, GA
The earning potential for Dental Assistantss in Athens-Clarke County, GA 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 $35,120, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $48,650.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $35,120 | $16.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $30,983 | $14.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $38,170 | $18.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $51,638 | $24.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $48,650 | $23.4 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Athens-Clarke County, GA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $41,310 to $41,310.
Job Market Context
170
Total Jobs
1.763
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Athens-Clarke County, GA has 0.72x 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.
170 people work as Dental Assistants in Athens-Clarke County, GA.
1.763 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Dental Assistants positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GA Dental Assistants Salary | $43,430↑ 5% | 35 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Dental Assistants Salary | $47,840↑ 16% | 60 mi |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $41,240↓ 0% | 65 mi |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $45,140↑ 9% | 65 mi |
| Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $39,230↓ 5% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Athens-Clarke County, GA
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $41,310. This typically ranges from $35,120 for entry-level positions to $48,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 15.3% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place for Dental Assistantss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Dental Assistants salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $41,310 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Athens-Clarke County, GA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($43,430) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 170 employees in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area with a job density of 1.763 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 Athens-Clarke County, GA