Dental Assistant salary in Columbus, OH
Dental Assistants in the Columbus, OH metro area earn a median of $48,760 a year ($23.44 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,560 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $78,500 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 2% higher than the Ohio statewide median of $47,970. There are 2.3 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $52,250, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Columbus, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,730 | $18.14 |
| 25th percentile | $45,650 | $21.95 |
| Median | $48,760 | $23.44 |
| 75th percentile | $57,290 | $27.54 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $78,500 | $37.74 |
| Average (mean) | $52,250 | $25.12 |
Half of dental assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,063.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,031.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,875.38 |
| Weekly | $937.69 |
| Hourly | $23.44 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Dental Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $49,590 | 2,440 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $48,710 | 840 |
| Akron, OH | $48,230 | 740 |
| Cleveland, OH | $47,800 | 2,540 |
| Toledo, OH | $46,580 | 700 |
| Sandusky, OH | $46,260 | 90 |
| Springfield, OH | $45,660 | 100 |
| Lima, OH | $45,570 | 90 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $45,340 | 400 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | $44,610 | 110 |
| Mansfield, OH | $44,410 | 110 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $43,800 | 340 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $43,790 | 60 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $42,660 | 240 |
Highest-paying states for dental assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $65,270 |
| District of Columbia | $60,580 |
| Maine | $60,070 |
| New Hampshire | $59,530 |
| Oregon | $59,490 |
| Washington | $58,090 |
| Massachusetts | $57,980 |
| North Dakota | $57,770 |
| Alaska | $57,710 |
| Connecticut | $56,850 |
See Dental Assistant pay in every state or the Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbus, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $44,140 | $21.22 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $37,280 | $17.93 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $45,820 | $22.03 |
| Phlebotomist | $41,330 | $19.87 |
| Massage Therapist | $57,580 | $27.68 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $38,870 | $18.69 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $38,470 | $18.50 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $46,060 | $22.14 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $34,880 | $16.77 |
| Nursing Assistant | $42,970 | $20.66 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $69,480 | $33.41 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $63,480 | $30.52 |
| Orderly | $37,360 | $17.96 |
| Psychiatric Aide | $47,160 | $22.67 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Columbus, OH
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-9091. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make in Columbus, OH?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Columbus, OH metro area is $48,760 a year, or $23.44 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $78,500 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Columbus, OH?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Columbus, OH metro area earn at least $78,500 a year. The top 25% earn $57,290 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Columbus, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,730 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $45,650 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Columbus, OH?
About 2,560 dental assistants are employed in the Columbus, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.