Average Dental Assistants Salary in Iowa City, IA
Dental Assistants in Iowa City, IA, command an average annual salary of $51,780, notably exceeding the national average of $48,760. This localized premium is often a reflection of the specific demand and economic conditions within the Iowa City metropolitan area, influencing compensation structures for skilled healthcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,770.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 290 Dental Assistants and a Location Quotient of 1.29, Iowa City demonstrates a concentration of these roles higher than the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for dental professionals in the region, indicating a stable job market for those in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Iowa City, IA earns+6.2%above the national average.
$24.9
$996
$4,315
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Assistants in Iowa City have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, inflation, and advancements in dental technology likely contribute to upward pressure on wages.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
The salary progression for Dental Assistants in Iowa City typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career growth trajectory within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $45,570 | $21.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $38,835 | $18.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $48,890 | $23.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $64,725 | $31.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $61,770 | $29.7 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,780 in Iowa City aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's income in Iowa City is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial outlook without significant cost-of-living advantages or disadvantages.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
3.135
Per 1K Jobs
1.29
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.29, Iowa City, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.29 signifies that Dental Assistants are more concentrated in Iowa City than the national average. This suggests a healthy, and potentially competitive, job market where employers may actively seek qualified candidates, while also indicating a strong community of professionals within the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $50,610↓ 2% | 23 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Dental Assistants Salary | $48,450↓ 6% | 48 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $47,800↓ 8% | 72 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $49,050↓ 5% | 72 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $43,840↓ 15% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Iowa City, IA is $51,780. This typically ranges from $45,570 for entry-level positions to $61,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 6.2% higher than the national median of $48,760.
Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, Iowa City offers a lucrative environment for Dental Assistants.Dental Assistants in Iowa City earn an average of $51,780 annually, which is above the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national index, this presents a favorable financial standing.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($50,610) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does the Iowa City Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Iowa City is $51,780, which is approximately $3,000 higher than the national average of $48,760.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.29 mean for Dental Assistants in Iowa City?
A Location Quotient of 1.29 indicates that Dental Assistants are more concentrated in Iowa City compared to the national average, suggesting a higher demand or a more established professional community in the area.
How does the cost of living in Iowa City affect Dental Assistant salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Iowa City's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $51,780 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
What is the total number of Dental Assistants employed in Iowa City?
There are approximately 290 Dental Assistants employed in the Iowa City area, reflecting a significant local workforce in this specialized field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 3.135 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 Iowa City, IA
- All Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Management Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA
- Browse All Jobs in Iowa City, IA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa City, IA