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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Dental Assistants salary in Columbus, Ohio

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Columbus 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$48,160
Mean annual$52,080
Range (10th to 90th)$36,750 to $79,370
Columbus, Ohio employment2,250
State vs national+1.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Columbus dental assistants fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$36,75025TH$38,660MEDIAN$48,16075TH$58,67090TH$79,370

The middle 50% of workers earn between $38,660 and $58,670, with a median of $48,160.

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 Ohio

How the Columbus metro compares to other major Ohio metro areas for dental assistants.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Dental Assistants in Columbus, Ohio?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Assistants in the Columbus metropolitan area is $48,160.
Does Columbus pay more than the Ohio state average for Dental Assistants?
The Columbus metro median is +1.8% versus the Ohio state median of $47,330.
How does Columbus compare to the national median for Dental Assistants?
The Columbus metro median is +1.5% versus the BLS national figure of $47,443.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Columbus?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $36,750 and the 90th-percentile at $79,370 for the Columbus 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 Columbus 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.