Maine saw the largest increase in the average annual wage for dental assistants from 2023 to 2024, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Across the U.S., the average pay for dental assistants increased $1,510 from 2023 to 2024, reaching $48,860.
Here are the five states with the largest jumps in dental assistant compensation using salary data from 2023 and 2024, the latest year data is available:
Maine
2023 salary: $48,760
2024 salary: $54,190
Increase of $5,430
Illinois
2023 salary: $42,420
2024 salary: $47,170
Increase of $4,750
Kentucky
2023 salary: $41,090
2024 salary: $45,720
Increase of $4,630
New Jersey
2023 salary: $46,950
2024 salary: $50,570
Increase of $3,620
Wisconsin
2023 salary: $45,700
2024 salary: $49,240
Increase of $3,540
