As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in the United States is $41,790. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $35,868 to a high of $49,241, with most professionals earning between $38,690 and $45,690.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $45,690 | $3,808 | $879 | $22 |
| Average | $41,790 | $3,483 | $804 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,690 | $3,224 | $744 | $19 |
An entry-level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) with less than 1 year of experience earns about $41,235. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $41,906. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $43,536. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $43,711, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $43,827.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $41,235 |
| Intermediate Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $41,906 |
| Senior Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $43,536 |
| Specialist Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $43,711 |
| Expert Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $43,827 |
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 4% |
| Top Level | 5% |
| Experienced | 5% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $44,740 in 2023 to approximately $44,704 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $41,790 | 68.4% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $3,197 | 5.2% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,048 | 3.3% | ||
| Disability | $669 | 1.1% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,371 | 10.4% | ||
| Pension | $1,755 | 2.9% | ||
| Time Off | $5,304 | 8.7% | ||
| Total Compensation | $61,133 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 78.4% |
| Associates | 14.5% |
| Bachelors | 5.9% |
| Masters | 0.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
What Am I Worth?
Dental Assistant Salary Overview: In 2023, Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) in the USA earned between $42,590 and $52,390, with a median salary of $47,690 per year. This reflects a competitive pay scale compared to other healthcare support roles, highlighting the value of dental assistants in the healthcare system.
The salary data indicates that a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) earns between $42,590 and $52,390, with a median salary of $47,690. This suggests that RDAs generally earn more than medical assistants. However, it's important to note that job outlook and growth opportunities are more favorable for medical assisting.
Dental careers, including Registered Dental Assistants (RDA), offer competitive salaries, with a range from $42,590 to $52,390. The profession is highly respected and consistently ranks among the best healthcare jobs, reflecting strong demand and job stability. This makes dentistry a promising career choice in the USA.
Typically, Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) are permitted to perform a greater number of functions within a dental clinic than unregistered Dental Assistants. For example, RDAs can perform coronal polishing, whereas unregistered Dental Assistants are not. The salary for RDAs ranges from $42,590 to $52,390, with a median salary of $47,690.
To increase your earnings as a dental assistant, consider obtaining additional certifications and staying updated on industry advancements. Discuss advancement opportunities with your manager, consider relocating, learn a second language, and be open to working undesirable hours or for a temp agency. Salaries typically range from $42,590 to $52,390, with a median around $47,690.
The highest paid dental position is typically that of a dental anesthesiologist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, with salaries ranging from $290,000 to $400,000 annually. In comparison, a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) earns between $42,590 and $52,390, with a median salary of $47,690.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
