Dental Salary Data · BLS OEWS May 2025
Dental Assistant Salary in Merced
The median dental assistant earns $48,520 a year in the Merced metro, with the middle half between $48,020 and $57,790.[1]
25th percentile
$48,020
Lower end of the middle half
Median
$48,520
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile
$57,790
Upper end of the middle half
Merced runs about 3% lower than the California median and ranks 19th of 25 California metros. It is about the same as the national median.
Merced pay range vs. California and the U.S.
| Percentile | Metro annual | California annual | U.S. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,270 | $38,790 | $37,130 |
| 25th percentile | $48,020 | $46,270 | $44,340 |
| Median | $48,520 | $50,110 | $48,070 |
| 75th percentile | $57,790 | $60,670 | $58,090 |
| 90th percentile | $60,320 | $73,700 | $62,250 |
| Mean (average) | $52,050 | $54,710 | $50,200 |
250
3.14
1.26
For dental pros in Merced
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Dental Assistant salary in Merced: FAQ
How much do dental assistants make in Merced?
The median dental assistant salary in the Merced metro area is $48,520, with the middle half earning between $48,020 and $57,790 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The full range runs from $45,270 at the 10th percentile to $60,320 at the 90th.
Is Merced higher or lower than the rest of California?
Merced runs about 3% lower than the California state median for dental assistants. It ranks 19th of 25 California metro areas by median pay. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures.)
How does Merced compare nationally?
Dental Assistant pay in Merced is about the same as the U.S. median. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures, not adjusted for cost of living.)
How many dental assistants work in the Merced area?
BLS estimates 250 dental assistants were employed in the Merced metro area in May 2025. Its location quotient is 1.26, so the role is more concentrated than the national average.
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