Dental Assistants vs Medical Transcriptionists: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Dental Assistants

Median Salary
$46,211
Average (Mean)
$46,931
Employed Nationwide
370,670
VS

Medical Transcriptionists

Median Salary
$38,110
Average (Mean)
$39,529
Employed Nationwide
48,840
Dental Assistants earns $8,100 more (21.3%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $46,211 $38,110
Average (Mean) Salary $46,931 $39,529
Total Employment 370,670 48,840
States with Higher Pay 46 4

Salary by State: Dental Assistants vs Medical Transcriptionists

Showing 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. Dental Assistants pays more in 46 states; Medical Transcriptionists pays more in 4.

State Dental Assistants Medical Transcriptionists Difference
Alabama $36,120
$39,310
$-3,190
Alaska $51,820
$43,580
+$8,240
Arizona $48,190
$34,550
+$13,640
Arkansas $38,590
$32,970
+$5,620
California $48,210
$38,130
+$10,080
Colorado $48,950
$40,670
+$8,280
Connecticut $49,510
$48,050
+$1,460
Delaware $46,320
$42,250
+$4,070
District of Columbia $52,880
$35,580
+$17,300
Florida $46,600
$36,870
+$9,730
Georgia $45,670
$27,590
+$18,080
Hawaii $44,880
$47,840
$-2,960
Idaho $37,700
$34,620
+$3,080
Illinois $43,590
$34,410
+$9,180
Indiana $46,380
$39,490
+$6,890
Iowa $47,580
$41,720
+$5,860
Kansas $39,290
$31,570
+$7,720
Kentucky $38,530
$36,670
+$1,860
Louisiana $38,180
$34,150
+$4,030
Maine $47,060
$46,820
+$240
Maryland $47,920
$37,440
+$10,480
Massachusetts $58,860
$43,180
+$15,680
Michigan $45,740
$33,290
+$12,450
Minnesota $62,870
$49,290
+$13,580
Mississippi $36,710
$33,280
+$3,430
Missouri $45,760
$29,890
+$15,870
Montana $44,400
$41,920
+$2,480
Nebraska $44,480
$34,940
+$9,540
Nevada $46,330
$35,960
+$10,370
New Hampshire $56,360
$35,360
+$21,000
New Jersey $46,790
$38,190
+$8,600
New Mexico $38,480
$28,460
+$10,020
New York $45,590
$39,690
+$5,900
North Carolina $47,000
$28,150
+$18,850
North Dakota $57,040
$44,690
+$12,350
Ohio $46,450
$36,150
+$10,300
Oklahoma $38,940
$28,640
+$10,300
Oregon $57,040
$39,520
+$17,520
Pennsylvania $46,680
$36,520
+$10,160
Rhode Island $47,120
$44,980
+$2,140
South Carolina $46,490
$34,320
+$12,170
South Dakota $47,490
$42,120
+$5,370
Tennessee $45,190
$36,610
+$8,580
Texas $39,640
$34,710
+$4,930
Utah $37,140
$36,830
+$310
Virginia $48,000
$37,660
+$10,340
Washington $55,700
$47,800
+$7,900
West Virginia $37,360
$31,630
+$5,730
Wisconsin $45,970
$47,640
$-1,670
Wyoming $47,450
$49,820
$-2,370

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Dental Assistants or Medical Transcriptionists?
On average across all states, a Dental Assistants earns more than a Medical Transcriptionists. The national median salary difference is $8,100 (21.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Dental Assistants earn more than a Medical Transcriptionists?
A Dental Assistants earns a higher median salary than a Medical Transcriptionists in 46 out of 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Medical Transcriptionists pays more in 4 states.
What is the median salary for a Dental Assistants vs Medical Transcriptionists?
The national median salary for a Dental Assistants is $46,211 per year, compared to $38,110 for a Medical Transcriptionists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Dental Assistants or Medical Transcriptionists?
There are more people employed as Dental Assistants. BLS reports approximately 370,670 Dental Assistants positions and 48,840 Medical Transcriptionists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Dental Assistants or Medical Transcriptionists?
Both Dental Assistants and Medical Transcriptionists 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.