Salary distribution
Where Iowa dental assistants fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $45,520 and $54,680, with a median of $47,820.
Dental Assistants pay by experience level in Iowa
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Iowa over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
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.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+6.4%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Dental Assistants in Iowa?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Assistants in Iowa is $47,820.
- How does Iowa compare to the national median for Dental Assistants?
- The Iowa median is +0.8% versus the BLS national figure of $47,443.
- What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Iowa?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $38,640 and the 90th-percentile at $59,010, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Dental Assistants a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 6.4% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- 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. Wage data reflects BLS estimates 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.