Salary distribution
Where San Diego dental assistants fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $39,270 and $56,280, with a median of $46,420.
Typical entry
Education
Postsecondary nondegree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.5 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 3.8 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 3.8 / 5
Speech Recognition
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- 02
Record treatment information in patient records.
- 03
Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- 04
Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- 05
Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- 06
Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- 07
Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- 08
Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for dental assistants.
- San Jose$64,600
- San Francisco$62,700
- Sacramento$59,270
- Riverside$49,030
- Los Angeles$46,360
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Dental Assistants in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Assistants in the San Diego metropolitan area is $46,420.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Dental Assistants?
- The San Diego metro median is -5.1% versus the California state median of $48,910.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Dental Assistants?
- The San Diego metro median is -2.2% versus the BLS national figure of $47,443.
- What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $37,460 and the 90th-percentile at $61,570 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Dental Assistants?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.