Average Dental Assistants Salary in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
In the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area, Dental Assistants earn an average annual salary of $35,710. This figure falls notably below the national average of $48,760, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within this nonmetropolitan setting.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,270.
- Outlook: The job market for Dental Assistants in Northeast Alabama is characterized by a modest workforce of 240 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.64, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the field is not as densely populated as in other regions, potentially leading to a stable but not rapidly expanding demand.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-26.8%below the national average.
$17.2
$687
$2,976
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Dental Assistants nationwide have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare demands and inflation. This national trend likely extends, albeit perhaps at a different pace, to the Northeast Alabama region, reflecting gradual wage adjustments.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Northeast Alabama typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting these advancements and the value of accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $28,710 | $13.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $26,783 | $12.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,030 | $16.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $44,638 | $21.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $46,270 | $22.2 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,710 in Northeast Alabama aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by a comparable cost of living.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
1.562
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.64x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.64 indicates that Dental Assistant roles are less concentrated in Northeast Alabama compared to the national average. This suggests a less competitive market in terms of job availability relative to the number of professionals, but it also implies that the specialized demand for these roles is not as robust as in more densely populated or metropolitan areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $38,830↑ 9% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $43,150↑ 21% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $37,920↑ 6% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $38,140↑ 7% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Dental Assistants Salary | $35,640↓ 0% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $35,710. This typically ranges from $28,710 for entry-level positions to $46,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 26.8% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative area for Dental Assistants.The average salary of $35,710 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the overall earning potential is constrained.
Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($38,830) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the Northeast Alabama salary compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Northeast Alabama earn approximately $13,050 less annually than the national average, with an average salary of $35,710 compared to $48,760 nationally.
What is the job concentration for Dental Assistants in this region?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.64, which is below the national average of 1.0, indicating fewer Dental Assistants per worker in this area compared to the nation.
Does the Cost of Living affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $35,710 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
How many Dental Assistants work in Northeast Alabama?
There are approximately 240 Dental Assistants employed in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.562 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 Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area