Average Dental Assistants Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
In Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, Dental Assistants earn an average annual salary of $48,150. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,760, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the metropolitan area. The cost of living in Grand Rapids aligns perfectly with the national average, making the nominal salary's purchasing power comparable to the rest of the country.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,800.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area supports a robust workforce of 1,260 Dental Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the concentration of these professionals is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for dental services. The presence of 2.247 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady employment landscape for Dental Assistants in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-1.3%below the national average.
$23.2
$926
$4,013
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Grand Rapids is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Assistants in the region have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for dental care, and advancements in dental technology typically drive salary increases in this profession across most metropolitan areas.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Salary progression for Dental Assistants in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated knowledge and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $37,750 | $18.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $36,113 | $17.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $47,840 | $23 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $60,188 | $28.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $58,800 | $28.3 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,150 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, is directly offset by a 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 that of their counterparts in the average U.S. city, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of real income.
Job Market Context
1,260
Total Jobs
2.247
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 0.92x 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 0.92 for Dental Assistants in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, indicates that the job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present and stable, the field may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers compared to areas with a much higher LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI Dental Assistants Salary | $43,430↓ 10% | 35 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Dental Assistants Salary | $44,660↓ 7% | 48 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Dental Assistants Salary | $51,030↑ 6% | 51 mi |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI Dental Assistants Salary | $46,870↓ 3% | 58 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $42,380↓ 12% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $48,150. This typically ranges from $37,750 for entry-level positions to $58,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 1.3% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $48,150 is competitive, it aligns closely with the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average. This results in comparable purchasing power.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($43,430) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $48,150, which is slightly lower than the national average of $48,760.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The Cost of Living Index for Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Dental Assistants work in the Grand Rapids area?
There are approximately 1,260 Dental Assistants employed in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Dental Assistants strong in Grand Rapids?
The market is stable, with a Location Quotient of 0.92 indicating a concentration of Dental Assistants close to the national average, suggesting consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,260 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 2.247 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- All Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Production Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Management Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Browse All Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI