Dental Assistant Salary in California
Dental Assistants in California earn an average of $53,942 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +15.9% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$53,942
per year
Hourly Rate
$25.94
per hour
vs National
+15.9%
$46,540 national
Salary Range
$35,099
to $78,019
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$53,942
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$37,987
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Dental Assistant's salary of $53,942 has the purchasing power of $37,987 in an average-cost area.
Dental Assistant Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $65,878 | $31.67/hr | $41,516 | $92,619 | 327 |
| San Francisco, CA | $61,237 | $29.44/hr | $40,389 | $90,019 | 385 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $51,558 | $24.79/hr | $33,542 | $75,069 | 437 |
| San Diego, CA | $50,250 | $24.16/hr | $33,033 | $71,865 | 317 |
| Sacramento, CA | $48,768 | $23.45/hr | $32,277 | $70,589 | 336 |
| Riverside, CA | $45,959 | $22.10/hr | $29,839 | $67,952 | 361 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Dental Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 2,163 Dental Assistants employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Dental Assistant Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$35,099
Starting salary for new Dental Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$53,942
Mid-career Dental Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$78,019
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
+$93,774 vs Dental Assistant
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
+$55,647 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
+$51,626 vs Dental Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
+$16,679 vs Dental Assistant
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$9,792 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Dental Assistant salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Assistant salary in California?
The average Dental Assistant salary in California is $53,942 per year ($25.94/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 15.9% above the national average of $46,540.
What is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in California, with a median salary of $65,878 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $45,959.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in California?
Dental Assistant salaries in California range from $35,099 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $78,019 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $53,942 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.