Average Dental Assistants Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
In Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, Dental Assistants earn an average annual salary of $45,860. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,760, a common trend in areas where the cost of living aligns closely with the national benchmark. Local market dynamics and demand play a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential healthcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.7% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,440.
- Outlook: The local job market for Dental Assistants in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, appears stable, with a workforce of approximately 250 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a steady but not overly saturated demand for these roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL earns-5.9%below the national average.
$22.1
$882
$3,822
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Dental Assistants nationwide have experienced a modest upward trend over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare demands and inflation. This suggests that local compensation likely saw similar, albeit potentially varied, growth.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior Dental Assistants with specialized skills or extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $35,480 | $17.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $34,395 | $16.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $46,150 | $22.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $57,325 | $27.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $56,440 | $27.1 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $45,860 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Dental Assistants in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, can expect their nominal earnings to align closely with the national average cost of goods and services. This means that the purchasing power of their salary is likely comparable to that of Dental Assistants in other areas at the national average cost of living.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
2.037
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL has 0.84x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.84 for Dental Assistants in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for Dental Assistants, the market may not be as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Dental Assistants Salary | $44,240↓ 4% | 42 mi |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL Dental Assistants Salary | $45,710↓ 0% | 69 mi |
| Dothan, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $37,170↓ 19% | 77 mi |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $38,090↓ 17% | 78 mi |
| Mobile, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $37,490↓ 18% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is $45,860. This typically ranges from $35,480 for entry-level positions to $56,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is 5.9% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative.While the average salary of $45,860 is respectable, it falls slightly below the national average. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL ($44,240) and Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL.
How does the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, is $45,860, which is approximately $2,900 less than the national average of $48,760.
What is the Cost of Living in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Dental Assistants work in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL area?
There are approximately 250 Dental Assistants employed in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL metropolitan area.
Is the demand for Dental Assistants high in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?
The Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests a demand that is slightly below the national average concentration, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand for Dental Assistants in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL area with a job density of 2.037 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 Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL