Dental Assistant salary in Jefferson City, MO
Dental Assistants in the Jefferson City, MO metro area earn a median of $44,090 a year ($21.20 an hour), based on BLS data for 150 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,740 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,300 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 4% lower than the Missouri statewide median of $45,970. There are 1.9 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.76). The average (mean) salary is $44,240, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Jefferson City, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,740 | $17.66 |
| 25th percentile | $38,320 | $18.42 |
| Median | $44,090 | $21.20 |
| 75th percentile | $47,010 | $22.60 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $56,300 | $27.07 |
| Average (mean) | $44,240 | $21.27 |
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 | $3,674.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,837.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,695.77 |
| Weekly | $847.88 |
| Hourly | $21.20 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $44,090 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Dental Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $48,190 | 2,470 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $48,120 | 2,990 |
| Columbia, MO | $46,920 | 220 |
| Springfield, MO | $45,500 | 850 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $44,370 | 150 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $43,500 | 140 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $43,010 | 210 |
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 Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Jefferson City, MO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $48,380 | $23.26 |
| Medical Assistant | $38,260 | $18.40 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $35,920 | $17.27 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $31,830 | $15.30 |
| Nursing Assistant | $36,080 | $17.35 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $61,250 | $29.45 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Jefferson City, MO
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 Jefferson City, MO?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Jefferson City, MO metro area is $44,090 a year, or $21.20 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,740 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,300 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Jefferson City, MO?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Jefferson City, MO metro area earn at least $56,300 a year. The top 25% earn $47,010 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Jefferson City, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,740 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $38,320 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Jefferson City, MO?
About 150 dental assistants are employed in the Jefferson City, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.