Dental Assistant Salary in Pennsylvania
Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania earn an average of $44,420 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +4.6% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$44,420
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.36
per hour
vs National
-4.6%
$46,540 national
Salary Range
$28,999
to $63,912
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$44,420
Cost of Living Index
99
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$44,869
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Pennsylvania's cost of living (below average), a Dental Assistant's salary of $44,420 has the purchasing power of $44,869 in an average-cost area.
Dental Assistant Salary by City in Pennsylvania
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | $46,419 | $22.32/hr | $31,240 | $66,608 | 329 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $42,421 | $20.39/hr | $26,757 | $61,215 | 294 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Pennsylvania vs National Average
Dental Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in Pennsylvania
There are approximately 623 Dental Assistants employed across 2 metro areas in Pennsylvania.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing
State Income Tax: 3.07% flat rate
Dental Assistant Salary Range in Pennsylvania
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$28,999
Starting salary for new Dental Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$44,420
Mid-career Dental Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$63,912
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Pennsylvania
Nurse Practitioner
$119,829
avg in PA
+$75,409 vs Dental Assistant
Registered Nurse
$91,619
avg in PA
+$47,199 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
$88,600
avg in PA
+$44,180 vs Dental Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
$58,340
avg in PA
+$13,920 vs Dental Assistant
Nursing Assistant
$37,384
avg in PA
-$7,036 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Dental Assistant salaries in Pennsylvania with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Pennsylvania Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Assistant salary in Pennsylvania?
The average Dental Assistant salary in Pennsylvania is $44,420 per year ($21.36/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 4.6% below the national average of $46,540.
What is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia, PA is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania, with a median salary of $46,419 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Pittsburgh, PA at $42,421.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Pennsylvania?
Dental Assistant salaries in Pennsylvania range from $28,999 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $63,912 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $44,420 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 Pennsylvania. 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.