Average Dental Assistants Salary in Modesto, CA
Dental Assistants in Modesto, CA, earn an average annual salary of $49,980, slightly exceeding the national average of $48,760. This competitive compensation reflects the specific demands and economic conditions within the Modesto metropolitan area, influencing local pay scales for skilled healthcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,150.
- Outlook: Modesto boasts a robust job market for Dental Assistants, with a total local workforce of 860 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.81 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for dental support services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Modesto, CA earns+2.5%above the national average.
$24
$961
$4,165
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Assistants in Modesto have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, inflation, and evolving job responsibilities likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these vital professionals.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Modesto, CA
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Modesto typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of practice can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear path for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $37,340 | $18 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $37,485 | $18 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $48,650 | $23.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $62,475 | $30 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $65,150 | $31.3 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $49,980 in Modesto aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national benchmark. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary in Modesto is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
860
Total Jobs
4.418
Per 1K Jobs
1.81
Location Quotient
Modesto, CA has 1.8x the national concentration of Dental Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.81, Modesto demonstrates a job market that is nearly twice as concentrated with Dental Assistants as the national average. This suggests a high demand for these professionals relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive hiring environments.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Dental Assistants Salary | $51,740↑ 4% | 29 mi |
| Merced, CA Dental Assistants Salary | $51,440↑ 3% | 37 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Dental Assistants Salary | $69,810↑ 40% | 53 mi |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA Dental Assistants Salary | $58,200↑ 16% | 69 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Dental Assistants Salary | $53,240↑ 7% | 73 mi |
Comparing salaries near Modesto, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Modesto, CA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Modesto, CA is $49,980. This typically ranges from $37,340 for entry-level positions to $65,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Modesto, CA is 2.5% higher than the national median of $48,760.
Is Modesto, CA a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, Modesto offers competitive compensation for Dental Assistants.Dental Assistants in Modesto earn slightly above the national average salary, and the local cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Modesto, CA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Modesto, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Modesto, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Stockton-Lodi, CA ($51,740) and Merced, CA.
How does Modesto's Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Modesto is $49,980, which is higher than the national average of $48,760.
What is the concentration of Dental Assistants in Modesto?
Modesto has a Location Quotient of 1.81 for Dental Assistants, meaning the profession is significantly more concentrated there than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Modesto affect salary?
Modesto's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $49,980 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce number indicate?
With 860 Dental Assistants in Modesto, it signifies a substantial local presence of this profession, contributing to the overall healthcare sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 860 employees in the Modesto, CA area with a job density of 4.418 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 Modesto, CA