Average Dental Assistants Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Dental Assistants in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area earn an average annual salary of $47,960. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,760, indicating a competitive but comparable compensation landscape. Local market dynamics, including demand and the cost of living, play a significant role in shaping these salary expectations.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,960.
- Outlook: The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area boasts a substantial workforce of 19,300 Dental Assistants, significantly contributing to the national employment figures. With a Location Quotient of 1.28, the concentration of Dental Assistants here is 28% higher than the national average, signaling robust demand and a dynamic job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns-1.6%below the national average.
$23.1
$922
$3,997
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Assistants in Los Angeles 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 this upward salary trajectory.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Los Angeles is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or those in senior roles can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the pay scale.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $38,460 | $18.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $35,970 | $17.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $46,360 | $22.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $59,950 | $28.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $57,960 | $27.9 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $47,960 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This suggests that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial outlook.
Job Market Context
19,300
Total Jobs
3.113
Per 1K Jobs
1.28
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.28, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.28 indicates that Dental Assistants are more concentrated in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area than the national average. This suggests a healthy and active job market with potentially more opportunities, but also implies a competitive environment due to the higher density of professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Dental Assistants Salary | $50,090↑ 4% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Dental Assistants Salary | $53,790↑ 12% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $47,960. This typically ranges from $38,460 for entry-level positions to $57,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 1.6% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, with caveats.The area offers a salary on par with the national average and a cost of living that is also at the national average, making it financially stable. The high concentration of Dental Assistants suggests strong demand and numerous career opportunities.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($50,090) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the number of Dental Assistants in Los Angeles compare nationally?
With a local workforce of 19,300, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim represents a significant portion of the national Dental Assistant employment, indicating a major hub for the profession.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.28 mean for Dental Assistants in Los Angeles?
A Location Quotient of 1.28 signifies that Dental Assistants are 28% more concentrated in Los Angeles than the national average, pointing to a robust demand and a potentially competitive job market.
How does the cost of living in Los Angeles affect a Dental Assistant's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $47,960 salary in Los Angeles offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced financial environment.
Are there more job opportunities for Dental Assistants in Los Angeles compared to other areas?
The higher concentration (Location Quotient of 1.28) and substantial workforce size suggest that Los Angeles likely offers a greater number of job opportunities for Dental Assistants than many 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 19,300 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 3.113 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 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA