National Salary Overview
VS
Massage Therapists earns $11,013 more (23.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$46,211
$57,224
Average (Mean) Salary
$46,931
$60,910
Total Employment
370,670
90,960
States with Higher Pay
7
41
Salary by State: Dental Assistants vs Massage Therapists
Showing 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. Dental Assistants pays more in 7 states; Massage Therapists pays more in 41.
| State | Dental Assistants | Massage Therapists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $36,120 | $41,920 | $-5,800 | ||
| Alaska | $51,820 | $88,830 | $-37,010 | ||
| Arizona | $48,190 | $60,880 | $-12,690 | ||
| Arkansas | $38,590 | $38,070 | +$520 | ||
| California | $48,210 | $45,400 | +$2,810 | ||
| Colorado | $48,950 | $56,110 | $-7,160 | ||
| Connecticut | $49,510 | $59,890 | $-10,380 | ||
| District of Columbia | $52,880 | $59,900 | $-7,020 | ||
| Florida | $46,600 | $48,940 | $-2,340 | ||
| Georgia | $45,670 | $58,100 | $-12,430 | ||
| Idaho | $37,700 | $68,960 | $-31,260 | ||
| Illinois | $43,590 | $60,670 | $-17,080 | ||
| Indiana | $46,380 | $58,300 | $-11,920 | ||
| Iowa | $47,580 | $63,060 | $-15,480 | ||
| Kansas | $39,290 | $48,120 | $-8,830 | ||
| Kentucky | $38,530 | $63,780 | $-25,250 | ||
| Louisiana | $38,180 | $62,870 | $-24,690 | ||
| Maine | $47,060 | $52,000 | $-4,940 | ||
| Maryland | $47,920 | $56,960 | $-9,040 | ||
| Massachusetts | $58,860 | $61,280 | $-2,420 | ||
| Michigan | $45,740 | $61,950 | $-16,210 | ||
| Minnesota | $62,870 | $62,770 | +$100 | ||
| Mississippi | $36,710 | $39,980 | $-3,270 | ||
| Missouri | $45,760 | $52,770 | $-7,010 | ||
| Montana | $44,400 | $59,400 | $-15,000 | ||
| Nebraska | $44,480 | $59,910 | $-15,430 | ||
| Nevada | $46,330 | $44,730 | +$1,600 | ||
| New Hampshire | $56,360 | $72,960 | $-16,600 | ||
| New Jersey | $46,790 | $56,380 | $-9,590 | ||
| New Mexico | $38,480 | $62,470 | $-23,990 | ||
| New York | $45,590 | $50,210 | $-4,620 | ||
| North Carolina | $47,000 | $61,570 | $-14,570 | ||
| North Dakota | $57,040 | $53,450 | +$3,590 | ||
| Ohio | $46,450 | $51,100 | $-4,650 | ||
| Oklahoma | $38,940 | $41,600 | $-2,660 | ||
| Oregon | $57,040 | $82,170 | $-25,130 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $46,680 | $56,780 | $-10,100 | ||
| Rhode Island | $47,120 | $56,160 | $-9,040 | ||
| South Carolina | $46,490 | $47,640 | $-1,150 | ||
| South Dakota | $47,490 | $46,540 | +$950 | ||
| Tennessee | $45,190 | $49,480 | $-4,290 | ||
| Texas | $39,640 | $49,550 | $-9,910 | ||
| Utah | $37,140 | $59,780 | $-22,640 | ||
| Vermont | $49,730 | $94,620 | $-44,890 | ||
| Virginia | $48,000 | $52,030 | $-4,030 | ||
| Washington | $55,700 | $79,700 | $-24,000 | ||
| West Virginia | $37,360 | $31,080 | +$6,280 | ||
| Wisconsin | $45,970 | $55,950 | $-9,980 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Dental Assistants or Massage Therapists?
On average across all states, a Massage Therapists earns more than a Dental Assistants. The national median salary difference is $11,013 (23.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Dental Assistants earn more than a Massage Therapists?
A Dental Assistants earns a higher median salary than a Massage Therapists in 7 out of 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Massage Therapists pays more in 41 states.
What is the median salary for a Dental Assistants vs Massage Therapists?
The national median salary for a Dental Assistants is $46,211 per year, compared to $57,224 for a Massage Therapists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Dental Assistants or Massage Therapists?
There are more people employed as Dental Assistants. BLS reports approximately 370,670 Dental Assistants positions and 90,960 Massage Therapists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Dental Assistants or Massage Therapists?
Both Dental Assistants and Massage Therapists are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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