Average Dental Assistants Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
In Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL, Dental Assistants earn an average annual salary of $45,640. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,760, reflecting localized market dynamics and demand within the region. Factors such as the specific healthcare needs of the community and the overall economic landscape of the Lakeland-Winter Haven area contribute to this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,390.
- Outlook: The Lakeland-Winter Haven area supports a workforce of 470 Dental Assistants, with a location quotient of 0.74 indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While not a major hub for the profession, the presence of nearly 2,000 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for dental assisting services within this specific metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL earns-6.4%below the national average.
$21.9
$878
$3,803
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Assistants in Lakeland-Winter Haven have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased demand for dental services, and inflation typically contribute to modest annual increases in compensation for healthcare support roles.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Lakeland-Winter Haven typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, which naturally commands higher salaries. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range often sees entry-level professionals earning closer to the lower end, while senior assistants with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries significantly above the average, reflecting years of experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $37,560 | $18.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $34,230 | $16.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $44,870 | $21.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $57,050 | $27.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $57,390 | $27.6 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,640 in Lakeland-Winter Haven aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
1.803
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL has 0.74x 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.
With a location quotient of 0.74, the Lakeland-Winter Haven metropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of Dental Assistants than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not as densely populated as in other regions, potentially indicating a balanced job market where demand is met by the available workforce without significant oversupply or undersupply.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $45,460↓ 0% | 26 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $47,250↑ 4% | 26 mi |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Dental Assistants Salary | $47,550↑ 4% | 32 mi |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Dental Assistants Salary | $46,780↑ 2% | 48 mi |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL Dental Assistants Salary | $46,240↑ 1% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is $45,640. This typically ranges from $37,560 for entry-level positions to $57,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is 6.4% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $45,640 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Florida nonmetropolitan area ($45,460) and South Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lakeland-Winter Haven salary compare to the national average for Dental Assistants?
Dental Assistants in Lakeland-Winter Haven earn an average of $45,640 annually, which is approximately $3,120 less than the national average of $48,760.
What is the cost of living in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
The cost of living in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.
How concentrated is the Dental Assistant job market in Lakeland-Winter Haven?
The job market concentration, indicated by a location quotient of 0.74, is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting fewer Dental Assistants per capita compared to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of Dental Assistants in the Lakeland-Winter Haven area?
There are approximately 470 Dental Assistants employed within the Lakeland-Winter Haven metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL area with a job density of 1.803 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 Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL