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Dental Assistants Salary in Iowa

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Dental Assistants make in Iowa?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$48,430
Median Annual Salary
▲ +1.3% vs 2024
$50,450
Mean Salary
$48,430
Median Salary
$23.28
Hourly Rate
3,210 people work as Dental Assistants in Iowa

Dental Assistants salary by percentile in Iowa

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Dental Assistants salary in Iowa — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Dental Assistants in Iowa.10thBottom 10% earn less than $39,360$39,36025th25% earn less than $45,990$45,990MedianHalf earn more than $48,430$48,43075th75% earn less than $57,620$57,62090thTop 10% earn more than $59,580$59,580

Dental Assistants in Iowa earn a median salary of $48,430 per year ($4,035/month). This is 1.4% below the national average of $49,100. Iowa ranks #21 out of 50 states for Dental Assistants pay. Approximately 3,210 people work in this occupation across Iowa. Salaries increased by 1.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Dental Assistants

Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.88
Speaking
3.38
Reading Comprehension
3.25
Active Learning
3.12
Monitoring
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.54
Medicine and Dentistry
4.41
English Language
3.76
Administration and Management
3.47
Administrative
3.45
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate (46.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Dental Assistants in Iowa

Salaries for Dental Assistants in Iowa range from $39,360 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $59,580 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $45,990 and $57,620.

Median $48,430
P10: $39,360 P25: $45,990 P75: $57,620 P90: $59,580
10th
$39,360
25th
$45,990
Median
$48,430
75th
$57,620
90th
$59,580
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $39,360 $18.92 $3,280
25th Percentile $45,990 $22.11 $3,832
Median (50th) $48,430 $23.28 $4,035
75th Percentile $57,620 $27.70 $4,801
90th Percentile (Experienced) $59,580 $28.64 $4,965

Note: The mean (average) salary of $50,450 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#21
Iowa ranks #21 of 50 states
$49,100
National avg. for Dental Assistants
-1.4%
vs. national average
Near Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Iowa:

What does this salary really buy? See Dental Assistants salary in Iowa adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Dental Assistants take-home pay in Iowa after taxes →

Explore Dental Assistants Data in Iowa

Dental Assistants Salary by State

Compare Dental Assistants pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Dental Assistants make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Iowa is $48,430 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $50,450.
What is the salary range for a Dental Assistants in Iowa?
Salaries for Dental Assistants in Iowa range from $39,360 at the 10th percentile to $59,580 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $45,990 and $57,620.
What is the starting salary for a Dental Assistants in Iowa?
Entry-level Dental Assistants positions in Iowa typically start around $39,360 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $45,990 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Dental Assistants in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,210 people are employed as Dental Assistants in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Dental Assistants in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Dental Assistants in Iowa is approximately $23.28 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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