Average Dental Assistants Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Dental Assistants in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $47,630. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,760, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where the cost of living and demand dynamics can influence compensation. Local economic factors and the specific needs of dental practices within this area shape the prevailing wage for these essential healthcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,950.
- Outlook: The job market for Dental Assistants in Northwest Iowa appears stable, with a total local workforce of 230 individuals. The location quotient of 0.65 suggests a slightly lower concentration of Dental Assistants compared to the national average, indicating a potentially steady demand relative to the available workforce. With 1.585 jobs per 1,000 workers, the role is present and contributes to the local healthcare infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-2.3%below the national average.
$22.9
$916
$3,969
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dental Assistant salary growth in Northwest Iowa is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, increased demand for dental services, and inflation typically drive salary increases across most professions, including those in the healthcare sector. Therefore, Dental Assistants in this region likely have experienced modest salary appreciation.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Dental Assistants in Northwest Iowa typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or expanded duties can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles signify clear career progression pathways and the increasing value placed on expertise and tenure within the local dental community.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $38,450 | $18.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $35,723 | $17.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $45,580 | $21.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $59,538 | $28.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $58,950 | $28.3 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $47,630 in Northwest Iowa 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 that of someone earning the national average in a typical U.S. location. Consequently, the salary offers a standard quality of life without the financial strain of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
1.585
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.65x 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 0.65, Northwest Iowa has a lower concentration of Dental Assistants relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not oversaturated, and there may be consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While not a high-concentration area, the demand is present, and the slightly lower concentration could imply a competitive edge for skilled Dental Assistants seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $48,140↑ 1% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $51,810↑ 9% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $47,800↑ 0% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $50,610↑ 6% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $51,780↑ 9% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $47,630. This typically ranges from $38,450 for entry-level positions to $58,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 2.3% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $47,630 is slightly below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates a standard earning potential rather than a highly lucrative market.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($48,140) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Northwest Iowa compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Northwest Iowa is $47,630, which is slightly lower than the national average of $48,760.
What is the cost of living in Northwest Iowa compared to the rest of the country?
The cost of living index in Northwest Iowa is 100, which is exactly the same as the national average, meaning expenses are neither higher nor lower than the typical U.S. location.
Is there high demand for Dental Assistants in Northwest Iowa?
The location quotient of 0.65 suggests a lower concentration of Dental Assistants than the national average, indicating steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to the workforce size.
How many Dental Assistants work in Northwest Iowa?
There are approximately 230 Dental Assistants employed in the Northwest Iowa 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 230 employees in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.585 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Dental Assistants Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area