Dental Assistant Salary in Missouri
Dental Assistants in Missouri earn an average of $42,696 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +8.3% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$42,696
per year
Hourly Rate
$20.53
per hour
vs National
-8.3%
$46,540 national
Salary Range
$27,769
to $61,223
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$42,696
Cost of Living Index
90
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$47,440
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Missouri's cost of living (below average), a Dental Assistant's salary of $42,696 has the purchasing power of $47,440 in an average-cost area.
Dental Assistant Salary by City in Missouri
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | $43,425 | $20.88/hr | $28,769 | $61,933 | 300 |
| St. Louis, MO | $41,967 | $20.18/hr | $26,768 | $60,513 | 346 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Missouri vs National Average
Dental Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in Missouri
There are approximately 646 Dental Assistants employed across 2 metro areas in Missouri.
Key Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 0% - 4.95%
Dental Assistant Salary Range in Missouri
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$27,769
Starting salary for new Dental Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$42,696
Mid-career Dental Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$61,223
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Missouri
Nurse Practitioner
$115,974
avg in MO
+$73,278 vs Dental Assistant
Registered Nurse
$85,940
avg in MO
+$43,244 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
$85,010
avg in MO
+$42,314 vs Dental Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
$55,161
avg in MO
+$12,465 vs Dental Assistant
Nursing Assistant
$35,373
avg in MO
-$7,323 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Dental Assistant salaries in Missouri with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Assistant salary in Missouri?
The average Dental Assistant salary in Missouri is $42,696 per year ($20.53/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 8.3% below the national average of $46,540.
What is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in Missouri?
Kansas City, MO is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in Missouri, with a median salary of $43,425 per year. The lowest paying metro area is St. Louis, MO at $41,967.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Missouri?
Dental Assistant salaries in Missouri range from $27,769 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $61,223 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $42,696 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 Missouri. 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.