Average Dental Assistants Salary in Santa Fe, NM
The average salary for a Dental Assistants in Santa Fe, NM is $45,510. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,460.
- Outlook: The current demand for Dental Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Fe, NM economy.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Santa Fe, NM earns-6.7%below the national average.
$21.9
$875
$3,793
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Dental Assistants salaries in Santa Fe, NM have remained stable with a modest increase of 3.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Santa Fe, NM
The earning potential for Dental Assistantss in Santa Fe, NM varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $36,740, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $56,460.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,740 | $17.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $34,133 | $16.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $45,260 | $21.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $56,888 | $27.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $56,460 | $27.1 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Fe, NM, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $45,510 to $45,510.
Job Market Context
170
Total Jobs
2.695
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Santa Fe, NM has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
170 people work as Dental Assistants in Santa Fe, NM.
Moderate density — roughly 2.695 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM Dental Assistants Salary | $42,190↓ 7% | 54 mi |
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $40,750↓ 10% | 59 mi |
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $46,680↑ 3% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Fe, NM
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Santa Fe, NM?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Santa Fe, NM is $45,510. This typically ranges from $36,740 for entry-level positions to $56,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Fe, NM is 6.7% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Santa Fe, NM a good place for Dental Assistantss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Dental Assistants salary in Santa Fe, NM is $45,510 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Santa Fe, NM. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Fe, NM a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Fe, NM is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Fe, NM?
Some top paying nearby cities include Albuquerque, NM ($42,190) and Eastern 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 170 employees in the Santa Fe, NM area with a job density of 2.695 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 Santa Fe, NM