Dental Assistant salary in Helena, MT
Dental Assistants in the Helena, MT metro area earn a median of $46,870 a year ($22.53 an hour), based on BLS data for 130 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,420 for the top 10%. That is 2% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is about the same as the Montana statewide median of $46,680. There are 2.9 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $46,910, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Helena, MT
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,860 | $18.69 |
| 25th percentile | $45,970 | $22.10 |
| Median | $46,870 | $22.53 |
| 75th percentile | $48,060 | $23.10 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $56,420 | $27.13 |
| Average (mean) | $46,910 | $22.55 |
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 | $3,905.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,952.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,802.69 |
| Weekly | $901.35 |
| Hourly | $22.53 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT | $49,160 | 190 |
| Billings, MT | $47,550 | 330 |
| Missoula, MT | $46,550 | 210 |
| Great Falls, MT | $46,360 | 120 |
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 Montana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Helena, MT
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $45,760 | $22.00 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $46,880 | $22.54 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $36,570 | $17.58 |
| Nursing Assistant | $42,520 | $20.44 |
| Psychiatric Aide | $47,930 | $23.04 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Helena, MT
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 Helena, MT?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Helena, MT metro area is $46,870 a year, or $22.53 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,420 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Helena, MT?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Helena, MT metro area earn at least $56,420 a year. The top 25% earn $48,060 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Helena, MT?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,860 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $45,970 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Helena, MT?
About 130 dental assistants are employed in the Helena, MT metro area, not counting the self-employed.