Average Dental Assistants Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
Dental Assistants in the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $47,270. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,760, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the St. Louis healthcare sector. While the nominal pay is close to the national benchmark, the cost of living plays a crucial role in understanding the true value of this salary.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,440.
- Outlook: The St. Louis, MO-IL area supports a robust workforce of approximately 3,400 Dental Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the concentration of these professionals in St. Louis is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for their services within the local job market. The presence of a substantial workforce indicates a healthy ecosystem for dental professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL earns-3.1%below the national average.
$22.7
$909
$3,939
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for St. Louis Dental Assistants is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries in this field have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dental services, and evolving skill requirements likely contribute to modest annual salary growth for Dental Assistants in the region.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL
The salary trajectory for Dental Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL, significantly scales with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, often around the 25th percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the 75th percentile and above. These percentile gaps highlight the clear career progression and earning potential available within the dental assisting profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,760 | $17.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $35,453 | $17 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $47,220 | $22.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $59,088 | $28.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $58,440 | $28.1 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,270 in St. Louis, MO-IL, 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 St. Louis is equivalent to that of a Dental Assistant earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living. Consequently, the nominal salary translates directly to the national average standard of living.
Job Market Context
3,400
Total Jobs
2.541
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, St. Louis, MO-IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.04 for Dental Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL, indicates a job market where the concentration of these professionals is marginally higher than the national average. This suggests a slightly more competitive environment for job seekers compared to the national landscape, but it also points to a healthy demand that supports this slightly elevated presence. Employers may find a good pool of qualified candidates readily available.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, IL Dental Assistants Salary | $45,710↓ 3% | 84 mi |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Dental Assistants Salary | $41,780↓ 12% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in St. Louis, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL is $47,270. This typically ranges from $36,760 for entry-level positions to $58,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 3.1% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, with caveats.Dental Assistants in St. Louis earn slightly below the national average salary but benefit from a cost of living that is exactly at the national average, making their earnings comparable in purchasing power.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, IL ($45,710) and Cape Girardeau, MO-IL.
How does the St. Louis Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL is $47,270, which is slightly lower than the national average of $48,760.
What is the cost of living in St. Louis, MO-IL for Dental Assistants?
The cost of living index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary has the same purchasing power as it would in a typical US city.
How many Dental Assistants work in St. Louis, MO-IL?
There are approximately 3,400 Dental Assistants employed in the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Dental Assistants strong in St. Louis?
With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the concentration of Dental Assistants is slightly above the national average, indicating a healthy and potentially robust job market with stable demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,400 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 2.541 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Dental Assistants Salaries by State
Top Jobs in St. Louis, MO-IL
- All Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Management Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Production Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
- Browse All Jobs in St. Louis, MO-IL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in St. Louis, MO-IL