Average Dental Assistants Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
In the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area, Dental Assistants can expect an average annual salary of $43,840. This figure is 10% below the national average of $48,760. Localized economic factors and the specific demand within this region contribute to this pay differential, reflecting the unique labor market dynamics outside of major metropolitan hubs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,570.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 450 Dental Assistants, the job market in Southeast Iowa presents a stable environment. The location quotient of 0.91 suggests a concentration of these professionals that is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for their services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-10.1%below the national average.
$21.1
$843
$3,653
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that Dental Assistant salaries in Southeast Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for dental services, and the need to attract and retain skilled professionals likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Southeast Iowa typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher earnings. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentile salaries signifies the potential for substantial career advancement and increased earning capacity.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $35,600 | $17.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $32,880 | $15.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $45,190 | $21.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $54,800 | $26.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $49,570 | $23.8 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,840 in Southeast 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 their counterparts in the nation as a whole, offering a stable financial standing relative to expenses.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
2.223
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.91x 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 0.91 indicates that Dental Assistants are slightly less concentrated in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan areas compared to the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing extreme scarcity, implying a balanced demand-supply dynamic for these healthcare professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $48,140↑ 10% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $51,810↑ 18% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $47,800↑ 9% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $50,610↑ 15% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $51,780↑ 18% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $43,840. This typically ranges from $35,600 for entry-level positions to $49,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 10.1% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $43,840 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. This suggests that while expenses are manageable, the earning potential is somewhat limited relative to national benchmarks.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($48,140) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the number of Dental Assistants in Southeast Iowa compare nationally?
Southeast Iowa has a total workforce of 450 Dental Assistants, which is a modest number reflecting the nonmetropolitan nature of the area. The jobs per 1,000 workers is 2.223, indicating a steady presence of the profession.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Dental Assistants in this region?
A Location Quotient of 0.91 means that Dental Assistants are employed in Southeast Iowa at a rate that is 9% lower than the national average. This suggests a slightly lower concentration of the profession relative to the general workforce.
Does experience significantly impact a Dental Assistant's salary in Southeast Iowa?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Entry-level Dental Assistants will earn less, while those with several years of experience and advanced skills can expect to earn considerably more, moving into higher salary percentiles.
How does the cost of living affect the Dental Assistant salary in Southeast Iowa?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the same as the national average, the $43,840 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not exacerbate the difference.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.223 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area