Dental Assistant Salary in Virginia
Dental Assistants in Virginia earn an average of $43,419 per year across 1 metro area. This is +6.7% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$43,419
per year
Hourly Rate
$20.87
per hour
vs National
-6.7%
$46,540 national
Salary Range
$28,423
to $64,428
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$43,419
Cost of Living Index
103
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$42,154
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Virginia's cost of living (above average), a Dental Assistant's salary of $43,419 has the purchasing power of $42,154 in an average-cost area.
Dental Assistant Salary by City in Virginia
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA | $43,419 | $20.87/hr | $28,423 | $64,428 | 337 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Virginia vs National Average
Dental Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in Virginia
There are approximately 337 Dental Assistants employed across 1 metro area in Virginia.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Defense & Military, Technology
State Income Tax: 2% - 5.75%
Dental Assistant Salary Range in Virginia
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$28,423
Starting salary for new Dental Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$43,419
Mid-career Dental Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$64,428
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Virginia
Nurse Practitioner
$121,200
avg in VA
+$77,781 vs Dental Assistant
Registered Nurse
$90,480
avg in VA
+$47,061 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
$84,688
avg in VA
+$41,269 vs Dental Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
$55,945
avg in VA
+$12,526 vs Dental Assistant
Nursing Assistant
$37,333
avg in VA
-$6,086 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Dental Assistant salaries in Virginia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Virginia Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Assistant salary in Virginia?
The average Dental Assistant salary in Virginia is $43,419 per year ($20.87/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 6.7% below the national average of $46,540.
What is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in Virginia?
Richmond, VA is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in Virginia, with a median salary of $43,419 per year.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Virginia?
Dental Assistant salaries in Virginia range from $28,423 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $64,428 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $43,419 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 Virginia. 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.