Average Dental Assistants Salary in Waterbury-Shelton, CT
Dental Assistants in the Waterbury-Shelton, CT area earn an average annual salary of $52,250, which is notably higher than the national average of $48,760. This localized pay differential is often influenced by regional economic factors, demand for specialized healthcare services, and the overall cost of doing business within Connecticut.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,570.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 360 Dental Assistants and a Location Quotient of 0.93, the job market in Waterbury-Shelton, CT, indicates a stable, albeit slightly below national average, concentration of these professionals. The presence of 2.259 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent demand that aligns with the national employment landscape for this vital healthcare role.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Waterbury-Shelton, CT earns+7.2%above the national average.
$25.1
$1,005
$4,354
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dental Assistant salary growth in Waterbury-Shelton, CT, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a trend of steady salary increases over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving healthcare needs typically drive incremental salary adjustments upwards for skilled professionals in the dental field.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Waterbury-Shelton, CT
Salary progression for Dental Assistants in Waterbury-Shelton, CT, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,730 | $17.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $39,188 | $18.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $49,260 | $23.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $65,313 | $31.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $60,570 | $29.1 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $52,250 for Dental Assistants in Waterbury-Shelton, CT, 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 the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
2.259
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Waterbury-Shelton, CT has 0.93x 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 0.93 for Dental Assistants in Waterbury-Shelton, CT, suggests that the concentration of these professionals is very close to the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively stable, implying moderate competition for available positions and consistent opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $53,000↑ 1% | 15 mi |
| New Haven, CT Dental Assistants Salary | $51,790↓ 1% | 18 mi |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT Dental Assistants Salary | $51,220↓ 2% | 23 mi |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Dental Assistants Salary | $51,760↓ 1% | 27 mi |
| Springfield, MA Dental Assistants Salary | $52,160↓ 0% | 46 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterbury-Shelton, CT
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Waterbury-Shelton, CT?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Waterbury-Shelton, CT is $52,250. This typically ranges from $36,730 for entry-level positions to $60,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterbury-Shelton, CT is 7.2% higher than the national median of $48,760.
Is Waterbury-Shelton, CT a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, it offers competitive earnings.Dental Assistants in Waterbury-Shelton, CT, earn above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the region financially favorable for the profession.
Is Waterbury-Shelton, CT a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterbury-Shelton, CT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterbury-Shelton, CT?
Some top paying nearby cities include Connecticut nonmetropolitan area ($53,000) and New Haven, CT.
How does the Waterbury-Shelton, CT salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Waterbury-Shelton, CT, is $52,250, which is higher than the national average of $48,760.
What is the Cost of Living in Waterbury-Shelton, CT, for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterbury-Shelton, CT, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the Dental Assistant job market in Waterbury-Shelton, CT?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.93, indicating a presence of Dental Assistants very close to the national average.
What is the total number of Dental Assistants in Waterbury-Shelton, CT?
There are approximately 360 Dental Assistants employed in the Waterbury-Shelton, CT area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Waterbury-Shelton, CT area with a job density of 2.259 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 Waterbury-Shelton, CT