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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Dental Assistants salary in St. Louis, Missouri

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the St. Louis metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$47,220
Mean annual$47,270
Range (10th to 90th)$36,760 to $58,440
St. Louis, Missouri employment3,400
State vs national-0.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where St. Louis dental assistants fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$36,76025TH$39,060MEDIAN$47,22075TH$54,20090TH$58,440

The middle 50% of workers earn between $39,060 and $54,200, with a median of $47,220.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Postsecondary nondegree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5

  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5

  • Near Vision

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    3.9 / 5

  • English Language

    Knowledge

    3.8 / 5

  • Speech Recognition

    Ability

    3.8 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.

  2. 02

    Record treatment information in patient records.

  3. 03

    Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.

  4. 04

    Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.

  5. 05

    Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.

  6. 06

    Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.

  7. 07

    Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.

  8. 08

    Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.

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Other metros in Missouri

How the St. Louis metro compares to other major Missouri metro areas for dental assistants.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Dental Assistants in St. Louis, Missouri?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Assistants in the St. Louis metropolitan area is $47,220.
Does St. Louis pay more than the Missouri state average for Dental Assistants?
The St. Louis metro median is +4.4% versus the Missouri state median of $45,220.
How does St. Louis compare to the national median for Dental Assistants?
The St. Louis metro median is -0.5% versus the BLS national figure of $47,443.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in St. Louis?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $36,760 and the 90th-percentile at $58,440 for the St. Louis 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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the St. Louis 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.