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Average Dental Assistants Salary in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

Dental Assistants in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area earn an average annual salary of $50,090, which is notably higher than the national average of $48,760. This elevated compensation is often driven by the specific economic conditions and demand within this dynamic metropolitan region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,090 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,960.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 6,210 Dental Assistants and a Location Quotient of 1.51, the job market in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA, indicates a robust demand for these professionals. The concentration significantly above the national average suggests a thriving sector that actively seeks and retains dental support staff.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,090

The average Dental Assistants in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA earns+2.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.1

Weekly

$963

Monthly

$4,174

Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

The salary trajectory for Dental Assistants in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA, typically shows a significant increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start around the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of practice can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career progression and value placed on expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$39,080$18.8
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$37,568$18.1
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$49,030$23.6
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$62,613$30.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$56,960$27.4

Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,090

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,090

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $50,090 in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA, 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 standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

6,210

Total Jobs

3.665

Per 1K Jobs

1.51

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA has 1.5x 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.

A Location Quotient of 1.51 signifies that Dental Assistants are 51% more concentrated in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area than the national average. This indicates a highly competitive and abundant job market, suggesting that employers actively recruit and that there is a strong pool of qualified candidates available.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants

Comparing salaries near Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

Hiring Dental Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Assistants make in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA?

The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is $50,090. This typically ranges from $39,080 for entry-level positions to $56,960 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is 2.7% higher than the national median of $48,760.

Is Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Dental Assistants.Dental Assistants in this area earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.

Is Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($47,960) and San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 3.665 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area has a higher concentration of Dental Assistant roles compared to the national average, indicating strong local employment opportunities.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Dental Assistants in this area?

An LQ of 1.51 means that Dental Assistants are 51% more prevalent in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA than in the average U.S. location, highlighting a specialized and in-demand job market.

Does experience significantly impact a Dental Assistant's salary in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA?

Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions offering lower salaries and senior roles commanding significantly higher compensation, reflecting a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary of $50,090 in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is higher than the national average of $48,760, providing a financial advantage to local Dental Assistants.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,210 employees in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area with a job density of 3.665 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.