Dental Assistant salary in State College, PA
Dental Assistants in the State College, PA metro area earn a median of $46,210 a year ($22.22 an hour), based on BLS data for 150 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,540 for the lowest-paid 10% to $61,360 for the top 10%. That is 4% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 4% lower than the Pennsylvania statewide median of $47,930. There are 2.1 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $46,950, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in State College, PA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,540 | $17.57 |
| 25th percentile | $39,100 | $18.80 |
| Median | $46,210 | $22.22 |
| 75th percentile | $48,900 | $23.51 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $61,360 | $29.50 |
| Average (mean) | $46,950 | $22.57 |
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 | $3,850.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,925.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,777.31 |
| Weekly | $888.65 |
| Hourly | $22.22 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $46,210 salary, see how much house you can afford in Pennsylvania 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $49,570 | 6,510 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $47,690 | 2,260 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $47,590 | 970 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $47,420 | 720 |
| Lancaster, PA | $47,310 | 630 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $47,220 | 450 |
| Reading, PA | $47,160 | 370 |
| Lebanon, PA | $46,740 | 80 |
| Williamsport, PA | $46,620 | 70 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $46,550 | 350 |
| Chambersburg, PA | $46,200 | 120 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $45,930 | 70 |
| Altoona, PA | $45,310 | 90 |
| Erie, PA | $44,930 | 230 |
| Johnstown, PA | $43,370 | 110 |
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 Pennsylvania statewide figures.
Related jobs in State College, PA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $42,720 | $20.54 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $37,500 | $18.03 |
| Massage Therapist | $82,490 | $39.66 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $29,950 | $14.40 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,440 | $18.96 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $58,780 | $28.26 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in State College, PA
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 State College, PA?
The median salary for dental assistants in the State College, PA metro area is $46,210 a year, or $22.22 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,540 for the lowest-paid 10% to $61,360 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in State College, PA?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the State College, PA metro area earn at least $61,360 a year. The top 25% earn $48,900 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in State College, PA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,540 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $39,100 or less.
How many dental assistants work in State College, PA?
About 150 dental assistants are employed in the State College, PA metro area, not counting the self-employed.