Average Dental Assistants Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Dental Assistants in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area earn an average annual salary of $51,850, surpassing the national average of $48,760. This higher compensation is often influenced by the region's specific economic factors and demand for skilled healthcare professionals, making it a competitive market for dental support roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,510.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,790 Dental Assistants and a Location Quotient of 0.97, the job market in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington indicates a stable and slightly below-average concentration of these professionals compared to the national landscape. While not exceptionally concentrated, the substantial workforce size suggests consistent demand and opportunities within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns+6.3%above the national average.
$24.9
$997
$4,321
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Assistants in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by increasing healthcare demands, advancements in dental technology, and the rising cost of living, all contributing to higher compensation for skilled professionals.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Salary progression for Dental Assistants in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of practice can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available as one advances in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $38,650 | $18.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $38,888 | $18.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $50,200 | $24.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $64,813 | $31.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $63,510 | $30.5 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,850 in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington 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 the national average, indicating that the higher nominal salary effectively balances out the cost of living, providing a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
6,790
Total Jobs
2.368
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has 0.97x 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 0.97 suggests that Dental Assistant roles are present in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington at a rate very close to the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where demand is consistent but not overwhelmingly high, meaning job seekers will find opportunities without facing extreme competition or scarcity.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Dental Assistants Salary | $49,910↓ 4% | 28 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Dental Assistants Salary | $50,000↓ 4% | 35 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Dental Assistants Salary | $50,020↓ 4% | 47 mi |
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $46,010↓ 11% | 47 mi |
| Reading, PA Dental Assistants Salary | $47,590↓ 8% | 48 mi |
Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $51,850. This typically ranges from $38,650 for entry-level positions to $63,510 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 6.3% higher than the national median of $48,760.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, it offers a slightly above-average earning potential.Dental Assistants in this region earn approximately $3,080 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially attractive for the profession.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($49,910) and Vineland, NJ.
How does the local Dental Assistant workforce compare to the national average?
The Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area has a substantial workforce of 6,790 Dental Assistants, with a concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.97, indicating a job market very close to the national average in terms of professional density.
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington?
The average annual salary for a Dental Assistant in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area is $51,850.
Does the cost of living affect the Dental Assistant salary in Philadelphia?
No, the cost of living in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $51,850 provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.97 mean for Dental Assistants?
A Location Quotient of 0.97 signifies that Dental Assistants are employed in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington at a rate very similar to the national average, suggesting a stable and balanced job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,790 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 2.368 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD