Dental Assistants Jobs Pay in Virginia, VA

Average Hourly Pay

$24.18
24.4%Below national average

Range: $23.03 - $25.33

Average Annual Pay

$50,298
24.4%Below national average

Range: $47,902 - $52,693

Entry-level
$42,753/per year
Top 10%
$52,693+/per year

Methodology: These figures are estimated from limited publicly available salary data.

Average Hourly Pay

$24.18
24.4%Below national average

Range: $23.03 - $25.33

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Virginia, VA?

The average annual salary for a dental assistant in Virginia, VA is $50,298 per year. If you prefer to look at it hourly, that works out to about $24.18 per hour. This is roughly equivalent to $967 per week or $4,192 per month, depending on hours worked.

Salary range for dental assistants in Virginia, VA

Min25%Median75%Max
25th
$43k
75th
$50k
Top 10%
$53k

Dental Assistants salaries in Virginia, VA can vary depending on experience, certifications, location within the state, and the type of work performed.

While some salaries can reach as high as $52,693, entry-level or lower-paid roles may start around $47,902 annually.

The difference between the lower and higher ends of the pay range for dental assistants in Virginia, VA — about $7,545 between the 25th and 75th percentiles — suggests there may be opportunities for dental assistants to increase their earnings over time through additional training, certifications, and years of experience.

Top-paying cities for dental assistants around Virginia, VA

While the average salary for a dental assistants in Virginia, VA is $50,298 per year, some cities across the state offer higher earning potential.

Based on available salary data, 2 cities report average dental assistants salaries above the statewide average.

Leading the list is Alaska, followed by Arizona and Richmond, which also rank among the top-paying locations for dental assistants in the state.

Alaska stands out with dental assistants earning around $7,163 more than the statewide average, or about 14% higher.

Because several cities offer salaries above the state average, dental assistants may find opportunities to increase their earnings by working in higher-paying areas within Virginia, VA.

Factors such as local demand for skilled professionals, cost of living, and the type of work available can influence these differences.

Dental Assistants pay in Virginia, VA by experience level

Salaries for dental assistants in Virginia, VA often increase as professionals gain more experience, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities.

Entry Level0-2 years
Hourly Rate$20.55/hrRange: $23.03 – $20.55
Annual Rate$42,753Range: $47,902 $42,753

Entry-level dental assistants (0-2 years) typically earn lower salaries while gaining practical experience and learning the basics of the role. At this stage, pay usually averages around $47,902 – $42,753 per year, depending on the employer, industry, and location.

Mid level3-6 years
Hourly Rate$24.18/hrRange: $20.55 – $27.81
Annual Rate$50,298Range: $42,753 $57,843

Mid-level dental assistants (3-6 years) often see higher earnings as they build expertise and may take on more complex tasks or independent work. Many professionals in this stage earn approximately $42,753 – $57,843 annually.

Senior level7+ years
Hourly Rate$27.81/hrRange: $27.81 – $25.33
Annual Rate$57,843Range: $57,843 $52,693

Experienced dental assistants (7+ years) generally earn the highest salaries. With advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, or specialized knowledge, pay can reach $57,843 – $52,693 per year.

Key factors that affect pay of dental assistants in Virginia, VA

Several factors can influence how much dental assistants earn in Virginia, VA, even when the average salary is around $50,298 per year.

Experience level is one of the biggest drivers of pay. Entry-level workers typically earn closer to $42,753, while experienced professionals can make $57,843+ annually.

Location within the region also plays a role. In higher-paying cities salaries can be higher than the regional average due to stronger demand and local economic conditions.

Industry and specialization can further impact earnings. Professionals working in specialized areas or large-scale projects often earn more than those in entry-level or general roles.

Together, these factors create a wide salary range for dental assistants in Virginia, VA, giving experienced professionals opportunities to increase their earnings over time.

Estimated take-home pay

Calculate your take-home pay and understand your tax withholdings.1

Try calculator

FAQs about Dental Assistant in Virginia, VA

Do dental assistants make good money in Virginia, VA?

Whether or not you think dental assistants pay well might depend on your specific situation and needs. The average salary for dental assistants in Virginia, VA is about $50,298 per year, or roughly $24.18 per hour. Entry-level professionals typically earn around $42,753 annually, while experienced workers can earn $57,843 or more per year depending on experience and specialization.

Can dental assistants make $60,000 a year in Virginia, VA?

Yes, some can. While the average salary is around $50,298, top-earning dental assistants in Virginia, VA can make about $52,693 or more annually. Professionals with advanced certifications, specialized skills, or leadership roles are more likely to reach this level of pay.

Is $50,000 a good salary for a dental assistant in Virginia, VA?

A salary of $50,000 is close to the average for dental assistants in Virginia, VA. Most professionals in this role earn between $42,753 and $57,843 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location.

How much does a starting dental assistant make in Virginia, VA?

Entry-level dental assistants in Virginia, VA typically earn around $20.55/hr, which equals roughly $42,753 per year. Starting salaries may vary based on training, certifications, and the employer.

How much does a licensed or certified dental assistant make in Virginia, VA?

Licensed or certified dental assistants in Virginia, VA earn about $50,298 per year on average, with typical salaries ranging between $42,753 and $57,843 annually. Highly experienced professionals can earn $52,693 or more.

What is the hourly pay for dental assistants in Virginia, VA?

The average hourly pay for dental assistants in Virginia, VA is about $24.18 per hour. Entry-level workers may earn closer to $20.55, while experienced professionals can earn $27.81+ per hour.

What is the salary range for dental assistants in Virginia, VA?

Most dental assistants in Virginia, VA earn between $42,753 and $57,843 per year, while the top 10% earn more than $52,693 annually.

How fast does pay increase for dental assistants?

Pay for dental assistants typically increases with experience. Many professionals see earnings grow from around $42,753 early in their careers to $57,843+ after several years of experience.
Apple App Store4.8 ⭐️ on App 352.5K reviews
Google Play Store4.7 ⭐️ on Google 275K reviews
Trusted by professionals

19M+ people use EarnIn to access their wages early

Phone mockup showing EarnIn app
Dental Assistants Pay in Virginia, Virginia | EarnIn