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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Dental Assistants salary in Richmond, Virginia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Richmond 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$46,740
Mean annual$47,900
Range (10th to 90th)$37,970 to $59,690
Richmond, Virginia employment1,570
State vs national-1.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Richmond dental assistants fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$37,97025TH$40,500MEDIAN$46,74075TH$55,01090TH$59,690

The middle 50% of workers earn between $40,500 and $55,010, with a median of $46,740.

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 Virginia

How the Richmond metro compares to other major Virginia metro areas for dental assistants.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Dental Assistants in Richmond, Virginia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Assistants in the Richmond metropolitan area is $46,740.
Does Richmond pay more than the Virginia state average for Dental Assistants?
The Richmond metro median is -0.4% versus the Virginia state median of $46,910.
How does Richmond compare to the national median for Dental Assistants?
The Richmond metro median is -1.5% versus the BLS national figure of $47,443.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Richmond?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $37,970 and the 90th-percentile at $59,690 for the Richmond 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 Richmond 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.