Dental Assistant salary in Santa Fe, NM
Dental Assistants in the Santa Fe, NM metro area earn a median of $47,160 a year ($22.67 an hour), based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $65,670 for the top 10%. That is 2% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 6% higher than the New Mexico statewide median of $44,400. There are 3.4 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $49,920, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Santa Fe, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,860 | $18.20 |
| 25th percentile | $44,400 | $21.35 |
| Median | $47,160 | $22.67 |
| 75th percentile | $50,660 | $24.36 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $65,670 | $31.57 |
| Average (mean) | $49,920 | $24.00 |
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 | $3,930 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,965 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,813.85 |
| Weekly | $906.92 |
| Hourly | $22.67 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $47,160 salary, see how much house you can afford in New Mexico 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | $44,810 | 1,000 |
| Farmington, NM | $42,400 | 210 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $38,400 | 200 |
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 New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Santa Fe, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $45,970 | $22.10 |
| Massage Therapist | $47,390 | $22.79 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $39,500 | $18.99 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $31,540 | $15.16 |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,530 | $22.37 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $70,200 | $33.75 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Santa Fe, NM
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 Santa Fe, NM?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Santa Fe, NM metro area is $47,160 a year, or $22.67 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $65,670 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Santa Fe, NM?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Santa Fe, NM metro area earn at least $65,670 a year. The top 25% earn $50,660 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Santa Fe, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,860 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $44,400 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Santa Fe, NM?
About 210 dental assistants are employed in the Santa Fe, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.