Average Dental Assistants Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
Dental Assistants in Cedar Rapids, IA, earn an average annual salary of $50,610, which is notably higher than the national average of $48,760. This elevated compensation is often influenced by the specific demand and local economic factors within the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area, reflecting a localized premium for skilled dental support professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,030.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 410 Dental Assistants, Cedar Rapids presents a stable employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.2 indicates a slightly higher concentration of Dental Assistants compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent and potentially growing demand for these essential healthcare roles within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Cedar Rapids, IA earns+3.8%above the national average.
$24.3
$973
$4,218
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cedar Rapids is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Assistants in the region have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in dental technology, and inflation typically contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for skilled professionals in this field.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Cedar Rapids, IA
The career path for Dental Assistants in Cedar Rapids offers significant earning potential as experience progresses. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning capacity within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $40,060 | $19.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $37,958 | $18.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $48,090 | $23.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $63,263 | $30.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $59,030 | $28.4 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
A nominal salary of $50,610 in Cedar Rapids, IA, offers excellent purchasing power. With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this salary allows Dental Assistants to maintain a lifestyle comparable to the typical American, without the added financial strain often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
2.931
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Cedar Rapids, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.2 for Dental Assistants in Cedar Rapids signifies a healthy job market with a concentration of professionals slightly above the national norm. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, there is still a robust demand, indicating a competitive yet accessible market for both new entrants and experienced Dental Assistants seeking opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $51,780↑ 2% | 23 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $47,800↓ 6% | 50 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $49,050↓ 3% | 62 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Dental Assistants Salary | $48,450↓ 4% | 62 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $43,840↓ 13% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Cedar Rapids, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Cedar Rapids, IA is $50,610. This typically ranges from $40,060 for entry-level positions to $59,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cedar Rapids, IA is 3.8% higher than the national median of $48,760.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, Cedar Rapids, IA, offers a lucrative environment for Dental Assistants.Dental Assistants in Cedar Rapids earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, providing strong purchasing power.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Cedar Rapids, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cedar Rapids, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Iowa City, IA ($51,780) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
How does the Cedar Rapids Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Cedar Rapids, IA, earn an average of $50,610 annually, which is higher than the national average of $48,760.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Cedar Rapids, IA, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is typical for the United States.
Is there a high demand for Dental Assistants in Cedar Rapids, IA?
With a Location Quotient of 1.2, Cedar Rapids shows a slightly higher concentration of Dental Assistants than the national average, indicating a solid and consistent demand for the role.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Cedar Rapids, IA, has a total local workforce of approximately 410 Dental Assistants.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Cedar Rapids, IA area with a job density of 2.931 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 Cedar Rapids, IA