Average Dental Assistants Salary in State College, PA
The average salary for a Dental Assistants in State College, PA is $46,620. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,780.
- Outlook: The current demand for Dental Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader State College, PA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in State College, PA earns-4.4%below the national average.
$22.4
$897
$3,885
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Dental Assistants salaries in State College, PA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 30.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in State College, PA
The earning potential for Dental Assistantss in State College, PA 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 $35,490, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $57,780.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $35,490 | $17.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $34,965 | $16.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $46,260 | $22.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $58,275 | $28 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $57,780 | $27.8 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
In State College, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $46,620 to $46,620.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
2.17
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
State College, PA has 0.89x 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.
150 people work as Dental Assistants in State College, PA.
Moderate density — roughly 2.17 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PA Dental Assistants Salary | $43,700↓ 6% | 35 mi |
| Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $40,820↓ 12% | 45 mi |
| Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $46,820↑ 0% | 45 mi |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $42,370↓ 9% | 45 mi |
| Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $43,530↓ 7% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in State College, PA is $46,620. This typically ranges from $35,490 for entry-level positions to $57,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 4.4% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is State College, PA a good place for Dental Assistantss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Dental Assistants salary in State College, PA is $46,620 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of State College, PA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Altoona, PA ($43,700) and Northwestern Pennsylvania 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 150 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 2.17 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 State College, PA