Average Dental Assistants Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
In Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, Dental Assistants earn an average annual salary of $44,020. This figure is below the national average of $48,760, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation in this region. The specific economic conditions and demand for dental services within the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area play a significant role in shaping these salary benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,550.
- Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area supports a local workforce of 430 Dental Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 0.7, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions. The presence of 1.711 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for dental professionals within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-9.7%below the national average.
$21.2
$847
$3,668
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Dental Assistants nationwide have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing demand for dental care, advancements in dental technology, and a growing emphasis on preventative oral health services, which often translates to upward pressure on wages across most regional markets.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Salary progression for Dental Assistants in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, as in most markets, is closely tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or expanded duties can expect significantly higher compensation. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge, skill proficiency, and the ability to handle more complex patient care scenarios.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $34,140 | $16.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $33,015 | $15.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $44,810 | $21.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $55,025 | $26.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $57,550 | $27.7 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $44,020 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre aligns precisely 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 comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
1.711
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 0.70x 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 0.7 for Dental Assistants in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre indicates that the profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a stable job market, it may be less competitive than in areas with a higher LQ, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified professionals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Dental Assistants Salary | $42,710↓ 3% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Dental Assistants Salary | $50,020↑ 14% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $45,490↑ 3% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $47,070↑ 7% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $45,600↑ 4% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $44,020. This typically ranges from $34,140 for entry-level positions to $57,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 9.7% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $44,020 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($42,710) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is $44,020, which is approximately 9.7% lower than the national average of $48,760.
What is the Cost of Living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is 100, which is exactly the same as the national average, indicating a moderate cost of living.
How concentrated is the Dental Assistant job market in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
The Location Quotient for Dental Assistants is 0.7, meaning the profession is less concentrated in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Dental Assistants in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
There are approximately 430 Dental Assistants employed in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 1.711 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA