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Average Dental Assistants Salary in Springfield, MO

Dental Assistants in Springfield, MO, can expect an average annual salary of $41,620. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $48,760, a difference often attributed to regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local healthcare sector. Understanding these localized pay scales is crucial for career planning.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,620 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,040.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 870 Dental Assistants, Springfield, MO, presents a substantial employment base. The Location Quotient of 1.61 indicates a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and established demand for their services within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,620

The average Dental Assistants in Springfield, MO earns-14.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20

Weekly

$800

Monthly

$3,468

Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Springfield, MO

The career trajectory for Dental Assistants in Springfield, MO, typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Dental Assistants with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the progression often seen in the percentile distribution of earnings.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$34,260$16.5
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$31,215$15
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$43,750$21
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$52,025$25
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$47,040$22.6

Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,620

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$41,620

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $41,620 in Springfield, MO, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary in Springfield is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

870

Total Jobs

3.923

Per 1K Jobs

1.61

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Springfield, MO has 1.6x 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 1.61 for Dental Assistants in Springfield, MO, signifies that the area has approximately 61% more Dental Assistants per worker than the national average. This indicates a strong presence and potentially competitive market for these roles, suggesting that employers may have a good pool of talent to draw from.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants

Comparing salaries near Springfield, MO

Hiring Dental Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Assistants make in Springfield, MO?

The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Springfield, MO is $41,620. This typically ranges from $34,260 for entry-level positions to $47,040 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Springfield, MO is 14.6% lower than the national median of $48,760.

Is Springfield, MO a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?

No, but cost of living is average.While the average salary of $41,620 is below the national average, the cost of living in Springfield, MO, is also at the national average. This means your earnings will have average purchasing power locally.

Is Springfield, MO a good place to live for Dental Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Springfield, MO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Springfield, MO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Joplin, MO-KS ($42,030) and Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR.

How does Springfield, MO's Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Springfield, MO, is $41,620, which is lower than the national average of $48,760.

What is the concentration of Dental Assistants in Springfield, MO?

Springfield, MO, has a higher concentration of Dental Assistants than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.61.

How does the cost of living in Springfield, MO, affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $41,620 salary in Springfield offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What does the total workforce number suggest about the Dental Assistant job market in Springfield, MO?

A local workforce of 870 Dental Assistants indicates a significant and established presence of this profession within Springfield, MO.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 870 employees in the Springfield, MO area with a job density of 3.923 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.