Dental Assistants Jobs Pay in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Average Hourly Pay
$35.24
10.1%Above national average
Range: $33.56 – $36.92
Average Annual Pay
$73,295
10.1%Above national average
Range: $69,805 – $76,785
Dental Assistants Salary Range in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Your level of experience is a key factor in determining your earning potential. Here's what you can expect at different career stages:
Entry Level
0-2 years
Hourly Rate
$29.95/hr
Range: $28.53 – $31.38
Annual Rate
$62,301
Range: $59,334 – $65,267
Mid level
3-5 years
Hourly Rate
$35.24/hr
Range: $33.56 – $36.92
Annual Rate
$73,295
Range: $69,805 – $76,785
Senior level
6+ years
Hourly Rate
$40.53/hr
Range: $38.59 – $42.46
Annual Rate
$84,289
Range: $80,276 – $88,303
Dental Assistant Role and Responsibilities in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Dental Assistants professionals play a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing essential medical services and patient care. They work in various healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, and private practices to ensure quality patient outcomes.
Responsibilities
- •Provide direct patient care and medical services
- •Document patient information and treatment plans
- •Collaborate with healthcare team members
- •Follow medical protocols and safety procedures
- •Maintain medical equipment and supplies
- •Stay current with medical advancements and certifications
Skills
- •Medical knowledge and clinical skills
- •Patient care and communication
- •Attention to detail
- •Critical thinking and problem-solving
- •Compassion and empathy
- •Time management
Qualifications
- •Required certifications or licenses
- •Relevant education or degree
- •Clinical experience preferred
- •Background check and health screening
FAQs about Dental Assistant in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
How much does a dental assistant make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The average dental assistant salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $35.24 per hour, or about $73,295 per year.
What is the typical pay range for dental assistants in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
Dental assistants in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara typically earn between $33.56 and $36.92 per hour, or $69,805 to $76,785 per year.
How does experience affect dental assistant pay in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
Dental assistant pay generally increases with experience in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara. Entry-level roles earn less than mid-career and senior roles, with senior pay reaching about $40.53 per hour.
Is dental assistant pay in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara higher than the national average?
Yes. Dental assistants in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara are listed as earning 10.1% above the U.S. average for this role.
How does San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara compare to California for dental assistant pay?
The average dental assistant salary in California is $35.24 per hour, which is about the same than San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.
How does San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara compare to nearby cities for dental assistant pay?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara can pay more or less than nearby cities depending on local demand, employer mix, and cost of living. Nearby salary comparisons on this page help show how dental assistants pay varies across the region.
What does a dental assistant do in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
Dental assistants in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA typically provide direct patient care and medical services, document patient information and treatment plans, and collaborate with healthcare team members.
What skills and qualifications are common for dental assistants?
Common qualifications for dental assistants include required certifications or licenses, relevant education or degree, and clinical experience preferred. Important skills often include medical knowledge and clinical skills, patient care and communication, and attention to detail.
