How much does a dental assistant make per hour?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income of a dental assistant in 2012 was $34,500 per year. Average hourly wages were $16.59 per hour.

Wages for a dental assistant may vary based on a number of factors. Experience and longevity with a dental provider may allow for higher earnings, and a beginning dental assistant tends to earn much less than the yearly averages reported by BLS. The community and clients served by a dental practice also contribute to the wages available for dental assistants. The profession is expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate, increasing by as much as 25 percent by 2022.