The average cost of living in Minnesota, the highest-paying state for dental assistants, is $48,475 for a single adult with no children.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics updated its salary data for dental jobs to reflect 2025 information May 15. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge updated its cost of living calculator Feb. 15.
Here is how the average annual salary for dental assistants compares to the cost of living in each state:
Note: Salary information was taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The minimum cost of living in each state was provided by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Living Wage Calculator. The cost of living is for a single adult with no children before taxes.
| State | Average dental assistant salary | Average cost of living |
| Alabama | $41,710 | $43,814 |
| Alaska | $55,220 | $51,965 |
| Arizona | $50,280 | $50,900 |
| Arkansas | $42,130 | $41,615 |
| California | $54,710 | $63,402 |
| Colorado | $50,230 | $54,071 |
| Connecticut | $53,970 | $54,178 |
| Delaware | $47,520 | $49,484 |
| District of Columbia | $63,360 | $55,587 |
| Florida | $48,500 | $50,117 |
| Georgia | $46,870 | $50,351 |
| Hawaii | $43,180 | $64,504 |
| Idaho | $47,250 | $49,091 |
| Illinois | $48,990 | $50,796 |
| Indiana | $50,480 | $45,326 |
| Iowa | $50,450 | $44,273 |
| Kentucky | $48,440 | $42,040 |
| Louisiana | $42,540 | $42,378 |
| Maine | $57,140 | $51,465 |
| Maryland | $50,720 | $53,949 |
| Massachusetts | $56,640 | $63,610 |
| Michigan | $49,650 | $45,914 |
| Minnesota | $64,740 | $48,475 |
| Mississippi | $42,910 | $43,025 |
| Missouri | $46,790 | $44,244 |
| Montana | $47,180 | $50,409 |
| Nebraska | $46,430 | $45,241 |
| Nevada | $45,880 | $50,259 |
| New Hampshire | $57,200 | $53,604 |
| New Jersey | $52,940 | $56,884 |
| New Mexico | $45,130 | $45,607 |
| New York | $49,820 | $62,167 |
| North Carolina | $51,510 | $46,745 |
| North Dakota | $56,450 | $42,874 |
| Ohio | $52,370 | $43,674 |
| Oklahoma | $44,790 | $43,119 |
| Oregon | $60,110 | $55,047 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,130 | $48,515 |
| Rhode Island | $52,790 | $52,024 |
| South Carolina | $47,310 | $46,469 |
| South Dakota | $50,170 | $42,706 |
| Tennessee | $49,670 | $44,959 |
| Texas | $44,830 | $45,290 |
| Utah | $40,550 | $51,407 |
| Vermont | $54,550 | $51,831 |
| Virginia | $47,490 | $53,505 |
| Washington | $56,680 | $55,316 |
| West Virginia | $41,280 | $40,627 |
| Wisconsin | $49,150 | $45,504 |
| Wyoming | $44,100 | $44,614 |
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
