SalaryNode

Average Dental Assistants Salary in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area

In the Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area, Dental Assistants earn an average annual salary of $46,680. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,760, a difference often attributed to regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local healthcare landscape. The unique economic environment of this nonmetropolitan region shapes compensation for dental professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,560.
  • Outlook: The job market for Dental Assistants in Northern New Mexico's nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a local workforce of 200 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates a concentration of Dental Assistants that is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply within the region. With 2.415 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of this role is consistent with national employment patterns.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,680

The average Dental Assistants in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area earns-4.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.4

Weekly

$898

Monthly

$3,890

Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Dental Assistants in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan areas typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this clear career ladder, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$34,160$16.4
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$35,010$16.8
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$44,770$21.5
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$58,350$28.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$64,560$31

Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$46,680

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $46,680 in Northern New Mexico's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. 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 footing for residents.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

2.415

Per 1K Jobs

0.99

Location Quotient

Below Average

Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area has 0.99x 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 0.99, the market for Dental Assistants in Northern New Mexico's nonmetropolitan area is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a healthy and competitive job market where the number of Dental Assistants aligns well with the needs of the local population and dental practices, without significant oversupply or undersupply.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants

CitySalaryDist.
Albuquerque, NM Dental Assistants Salary$42,190 10%29 mi
Santa Fe, NM Dental Assistants Salary$45,510 3%59 mi

Comparing salaries near Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Dental Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Assistants make in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is $46,680. This typically ranges from $34,160 for entry-level positions to $64,560 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 4.3% lower than the national median of $48,760.

Is Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?

No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $46,680 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating comparable earning potential and expenses.

Is Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Dental Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Albuquerque, NM ($42,190) and Santa Fe, NM.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan areas is $46,680, which is slightly lower than the national average of $48,760.

What is the cost of living in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?

The cost of living in this region is indexed at 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US location.

How concentrated is the Dental Assistant workforce in this area?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.99, indicating that the proportion of Dental Assistants in the local workforce is very close to the national proportion.

What is the total number of Dental Assistants in this region?

There are approximately 200 Dental Assistants employed in the Northern New Mexico 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 200 employees in the Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.415 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.