Average Dental Assistants Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
The average salary for Dental Assistantss in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $38,140. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Auburn-Opelika, AL may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,350.
- Outlook: The current demand for Dental Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Auburn-Opelika, AL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-21.8%below the national average.
$18.3
$733
$3,178
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Dental Assistants salaries in Auburn-Opelika, AL have shown healthy growth of 10.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
The earning potential for Dental Assistantss in Auburn-Opelika, AL 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 $27,610, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $48,350.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $27,610 | $13.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $28,605 | $13.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,960 | $17.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $47,675 | $22.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $48,350 | $23.2 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Auburn-Opelika, AL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $38,140 to $38,140.
Job Market Context
140
Total Jobs
2.018
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Auburn-Opelika, AL 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.
140 people work as Dental Assistants in Auburn-Opelika, AL.
Moderate density — roughly 2.018 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL Dental Assistants Salary | $40,370↑ 6% | 36 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $38,830↑ 2% | 49 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $35,640↓ 7% | 76 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $35,710↓ 6% | 77 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $36,040↓ 6% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $38,140. This typically ranges from $27,610 for entry-level positions to $48,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 21.8% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place for Dental Assistantss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Dental Assistants salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $38,140 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Auburn-Opelika, AL. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($40,370) and Montgomery, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 2.018 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL