Average Dental Assistants Salary in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Dental Assistants in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $39,430. This figure is notably below the national average of $48,760, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this tri-state area. The local job market's unique characteristics influence compensation levels for these essential healthcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,980.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 270 Dental Assistants, the Huntington-Ashland area demonstrates a stable, albeit not expansive, employment base for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests a slightly lower concentration of Dental Assistants compared to the national average, indicating a moderate level of demand that is met by the existing workforce. This suggests a consistent, though not rapidly growing, job market for skilled dental professionals in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH earns-19.1%below the national average.
$19
$758
$3,286
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Dental Assistant salaries in Huntington-Ashland have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing healthcare wages. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving scope of practice for dental professionals typically contribute to upward salary adjustments, even in areas with a lower concentration of the workforce.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Huntington-Ashland typically involves a salary increase tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or expanded duties can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, offering clear financial incentives for skill development and long-term commitment to the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,160 | $14.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $29,573 | $14.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,570 | $17.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $49,288 | $23.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $49,980 | $24 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,430 in Huntington-Ashland aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary in this region is comparable to the national median. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant disadvantage, suggesting that the take-home pay is relatively balanced with local expenses.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
1.9
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.78 for Dental Assistants in Huntington-Ashland indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated here than the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the supply of Dental Assistants may be relatively more balanced or slightly less abundant compared to national benchmarks. This could translate to a moderately competitive job market where skilled professionals are valued.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Dental Assistants Salary | $38,710↓ 2% | 44 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Dental Assistants Salary | $38,630↓ 2% | 76 mi |
| Beckley, WV Dental Assistants Salary | $40,530↑ 3% | 80 mi |
Comparing salaries near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is $39,430. This typically ranges from $30,160 for entry-level positions to $49,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 19.1% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $39,430 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, offering some balance.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($38,710) and Parkersburg-Vienna, WV.
How does the Huntington-Ashland Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Huntington-Ashland is $39,430, which is lower than the national average of $48,760.
What is the Cost of Living in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntington-Ashland is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Dental Assistants work in the Huntington-Ashland area?
There are approximately 270 Dental Assistants employed in the Huntington-Ashland metropolitan area.
Is there high demand for Dental Assistants in Huntington-Ashland?
With a Location Quotient of 0.78, the concentration of Dental Assistants is slightly below the national average, suggesting a steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to other regions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH area with a job density of 1.9 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 Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH