Dental Salary Data · BLS OEWS May 2025
Dental Assistant Salary in Modesto
The median dental assistant earns $50,170 a year in the Modesto metro, with the middle half between $47,230 and $59,680.[1]
25th percentile
$47,230
Lower end of the middle half
Median
$50,170
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile
$59,680
Upper end of the middle half
Modesto runs about the same as the California median and ranks 14th of 25 California metros. It is about 4% higher than the national median.
Modesto pay range vs. California and the U.S.
| Percentile | Metro annual | California annual | U.S. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,400 | $38,790 | $37,130 |
| 25th percentile | $47,230 | $46,270 | $44,340 |
| Median | $50,170 | $50,110 | $48,070 |
| 75th percentile | $59,680 | $60,670 | $58,090 |
| 90th percentile | $62,460 | $73,700 | $62,250 |
| Mean (average) | $53,130 | $54,710 | $50,200 |
890
4.55
1.82
For dental pros in Modesto
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Dental Assistant salary in Modesto: FAQ
How much do dental assistants make in Modesto?
The median dental assistant salary in the Modesto metro area is $50,170, with the middle half earning between $47,230 and $59,680 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The full range runs from $38,400 at the 10th percentile to $62,460 at the 90th.
Is Modesto higher or lower than the rest of California?
Modesto runs about the same as the California state median for dental assistants. It ranks 14th of 25 California metro areas by median pay. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures.)
How does Modesto compare nationally?
Dental Assistant pay in Modesto is about 4% higher than the U.S. median. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures, not adjusted for cost of living.)
How many dental assistants work in the Modesto area?
BLS estimates 890 dental assistants were employed in the Modesto metro area in May 2025. Its location quotient is 1.82, so the role is more concentrated than the national average.
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