Average Dental Assistants Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
The average salary for a Dental Assistants in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $47,800. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,570.
- Outlook: The current demand for Dental Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 190 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-2.0%below the national average.
$23
$919
$3,983
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Dental Assistants salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 27.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
The earning potential for Dental Assistantss in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA 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 $38,320, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $56,570.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $38,320 | $18.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $35,850 | $17.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $46,800 | $22.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $59,750 | $28.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $56,570 | $27.2 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $47,800 to $47,800.
Job Market Context
190
Total Jobs
2.256
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA 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.
190 people work as Dental Assistants in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
Moderate density — roughly 2.256 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Dental Assistants Salary | $50,610↑ 6% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $43,840↓ 8% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $47,630↓ 0% | 55 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $47,270↓ 1% | 55 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $46,270↓ 3% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $47,800. This typically ranges from $38,320 for entry-level positions to $56,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 2.0% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place for Dental Assistantss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Dental Assistants salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $47,800 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($50,610) and Southeast Iowa 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 190 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 2.256 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA