Average Dental Assistants Salary in Birmingham, AL
In Birmingham, AL, Dental Assistants earn an average annual salary of $43,150. 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. Understanding these localized pay scales is crucial for professionals in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,500.
- Outlook: Birmingham boasts a dedicated workforce of 1,380 Dental Assistants, with a Location Quotient of 1.1 indicating a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for dental assistants in the region, with consistent demand supporting the existing workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Birmingham, AL earns-11.5%below the national average.
$20.7
$830
$3,596
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Dental Assistant salaries in Birmingham, AL, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and increasing demand for dental services likely contribute to modest annual increases in compensation for these vital healthcare professionals.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
The salary trajectory for Dental Assistants in Birmingham, AL, typically scales 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, potentially reaching the 75th percentile or beyond. These percentile gaps highlight clear career progression pathways.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,940 | $14.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $32,363 | $15.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $38,410 | $18.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $53,938 | $25.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $57,500 | $27.6 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,150 in Birmingham, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary in Birmingham is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
1,380
Total Jobs
2.672
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, Birmingham, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.1, Birmingham, AL, shows a slightly higher concentration of Dental Assistants than the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive job market where demand is present and potentially slightly outstrips the national average, offering good opportunities for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $37,920↓ 12% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $35,710↓ 17% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $36,040↓ 16% | 50 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $35,540↓ 18% | 50 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $34,330↓ 20% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Birmingham, AL is $43,150. This typically ranges from $29,940 for entry-level positions to $57,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 11.5% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, but it offers stability.While the average salary of $43,150 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the nominal salary's purchasing power comparable. The market shows a slightly higher concentration of these roles, indicating steady demand.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($37,920) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience impact a Dental Assistant's salary in Birmingham?
Experience is a significant factor. Entry-level Dental Assistants will earn less, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills can expect to earn substantially more, moving into higher salary percentiles.
What is the job outlook for Dental Assistants in Birmingham?
The outlook appears stable, with a local workforce of 1,380 and a Location Quotient slightly above the national average, suggesting consistent demand for dental services and related support staff.
Is the cost of living in Birmingham high for Dental Assistants?
No, the cost of living in Birmingham is right at the national average (100). This means your salary will have average purchasing power compared to other areas in the US.
How does Birmingham's Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Birmingham ($43,150) is lower than the national average ($48,760), indicating that local compensation is slightly less competitive than the broader US market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,380 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 2.672 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 Birmingham, AL