Average Dental Assistants Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Dental Assistants in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $47,550. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,760, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Florida healthcare sector. While the nominal pay is close to the national benchmark, the cost of living in Tampa plays a crucial role in understanding the true purchasing power of this salary.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,620.
- Outlook: The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area supports a robust workforce of approximately 3,000 Dental Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 0.85, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 2.082 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests consistent demand for skilled Dental Assistants within this dynamic Florida region.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns-2.5%below the national average.
$22.9
$914
$3,963
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Dental Assistant salaries in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demand, inflation, and the rising cost of living typically drive incremental salary increases for healthcare support roles, ensuring that compensation remains competitive within the local market.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
The career trajectory for Dental Assistants in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL typically involves significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one moves from junior to senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $33,200 | $16 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $35,663 | $17.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $47,940 | $23 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $59,438 | $28.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $57,620 | $27.7 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,550 for Dental Assistants in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial foundation for residents. While not offering a significant cost-of-living advantage, the salary is well-positioned to meet the standard expenses associated with living in this Florida metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
3,000
Total Jobs
2.082
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has 0.85x 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 0.85 for Dental Assistants in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL indicates that the job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a healthy presence of Dental Assistants, the demand may be slightly outpacing the supply, potentially leading to competitive hiring environments for employers and good opportunities for job seekers. The market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced landscape for professionals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Dental Assistants Salary | $45,640↓ 4% | 32 mi |
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $45,460↓ 4% | 49 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $47,250↓ 1% | 49 mi |
| Homosassa Springs, FL Dental Assistants Salary | $43,280↓ 9% | 60 mi |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL Dental Assistants Salary | $46,240↓ 3% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $47,550. This typically ranges from $33,200 for entry-level positions to $57,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 2.5% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, it offers a stable earning potential.Dental Assistants in Tampa earn an average of $47,550, which aligns with the national average cost of living. This indicates a balanced financial environment where earnings can comfortably cover standard living expenses.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($45,640) and North Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Tampa Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $47,550, which is slightly lower than the national average of $48,760.
What is the cost of living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the purchasing power of the local salary is on par with the national standard.
How concentrated is the Dental Assistant job market in Tampa?
The job market for Dental Assistants in Tampa has a Location Quotient of 0.85, meaning it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a healthy demand relative to the workforce size.
What is the total number of Dental Assistants in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area?
There are approximately 3,000 Dental Assistants employed within the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,000 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 2.082 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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL