Average Dental Assistants Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Dental Assistants in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $51,810, which is notably higher than the national average of $48,760. This localized pay differential is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, demand for specialized healthcare services, and the overall cost of doing business within the metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,580.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 770 Dental Assistants, Des Moines-West Des Moines presents a stable employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests a slightly lower concentration of Dental Assistants compared to the national average, indicating a potentially balanced demand-supply dynamic that supports current salary levels.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+6.3%above the national average.
$24.9
$996
$4,318
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Dental Assistants across the United States, including in metropolitan areas like Des Moines-West Des Moines, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is driven by increasing healthcare needs, advancements in dental technology, and a consistent demand for skilled professionals in the field.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
The career trajectory for Dental Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command salaries significantly above the average, reflecting the value of their accumulated expertise and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $47,310 | $22.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $38,858 | $18.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $48,680 | $23.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $64,763 | $31.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $59,580 | $28.6 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,810 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's income in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for residents.
Job Market Context
770
Total Jobs
1.91
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.78x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.78 indicates that Dental Assistants are slightly less concentrated in Des Moines-West Des Moines compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, there may be opportunities for growth and that the market is not oversaturated, potentially leading to competitive hiring practices.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $48,140↓ 7% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $43,840↓ 15% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $47,630↓ 8% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $47,270↓ 9% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $46,270↓ 11% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $51,810. This typically ranges from $47,310 for entry-level positions to $59,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 6.3% higher than the national median of $48,760.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary.Dental Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines earn above the national average, and their income holds its value due to a cost of living that matches the national average.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($48,140) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $51,810, which is higher than the national average of $48,760.
What is the Cost of Living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Dental Assistants work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
There are approximately 770 Dental Assistants employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Dental Assistants strong in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
With a Location Quotient of 0.78, the market is stable, suggesting a healthy demand for Dental Assistants that is slightly below the national concentration, potentially offering good employment prospects.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 770 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 1.91 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Dental Assistants Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- All Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Management Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Browse All Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA