The average nominal hourly wage for dental assistants has increased from $9 per hour in 1990 to $24.20 per hour in 2024, according to data from the American Dental Association.
The ADA’s Health Policy Institute collected compensation data for both full-time and part-time dental assistants from 1990, 2000, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2019 and 2024.
Over the past 35 years, the average hourly wage for assistants has climbed by more than 168%.
Here is the average nominal hourly wage for dental assistants since 1990:
1990
Full-time dental assistants: $8.60
Part-time dental assistants: $9.60
All dental assistants: $9.00
2000
Full-time dental assistants: $13.80
Part-time dental assistants: $14.80
All dental assistants: $14.10
2010
Full-time dental assistants: $18.30
Part-time dental assistants: $18.60
All dental assistants: $18.40
2011
Full-time dental assistants: $17.70
Part-time dental assistants: $17.30
All dental assistants: $17.50
2012
Full-time dental assistants: $17.80
Part-time dental assistants: $17.50
All dental assistants: $17.70
2013
Full-time dental assistants: $18.30
Part-time dental assistants: $17.20
All dental assistants: $18.00
2019
Full-time dental assistants: $20.60
Part-time dental assistants: $19.80
All dental assistants: $20.40
2024
Full-time dental assistants: $24.60
Part-time dental assistants: $23.10
All dental assistants: $24.20
