Dental Assistant salary in Springfield, MO
Dental Assistants in the Springfield, MO metro area earn a median of $45,500 a year ($21.88 an hour), based on BLS data for 850 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,110 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 1% lower than the Missouri statewide median of $45,970. There are 3.8 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $43,610, close to the median.
Pay range for dental assistants in Springfield, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,270 | $16.96 |
| 25th percentile | $36,720 | $17.66 |
| Median | $45,500 | $21.88 |
| 75th percentile | $47,790 | $22.97 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,110 | $24.09 |
| Average (mean) | $43,610 | $20.96 |
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 | $3,791.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,895.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,750 |
| Weekly | $875 |
| Hourly | $21.88 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $48,190 | 2,470 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $48,120 | 2,990 |
| Columbia, MO | $46,920 | 220 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $44,370 | 150 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $44,090 | 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 Springfield, MO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Phlebotomist | $35,950 | $17.28 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $38,130 | $18.33 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $34,230 | $16.46 |
| Massage Therapist | $66,150 | $31.80 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $43,030 | $20.69 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $34,660 | $16.66 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $32,190 | $15.48 |
| Nursing Assistant | $36,180 | $17.39 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $61,420 | $29.53 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $61,360 | $29.50 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $34,720 | $16.69 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Springfield, MO metro area is $45,500 a year, or $21.88 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,110 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Springfield, MO?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Springfield, MO metro area earn at least $50,110 a year. The top 25% earn $47,790 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Springfield, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,270 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $36,720 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Springfield, MO?
About 850 dental assistants are employed in the Springfield, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.