Dental Salary Data · BLS OEWS May 2025
Dental Assistant Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria
The median dental assistant earns $47,540 a year in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro, with the middle half between $44,240 and $58,790.[1]
25th percentile
$44,240
Lower end of the middle half
Median
$47,540
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile
$58,790
Upper end of the middle half
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria runs about 22% lower than the District of Columbia median and ranks 1st of 1 District of Columbia metros. It is about 1% lower than the national median.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria pay range vs. District of Columbia and the U.S.
| Percentile | Metro annual | District of Columbia annual | U.S. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,870 | $47,530 | $37,130 |
| 25th percentile | $44,240 | $58,590 | $44,340 |
| Median | $47,540 | $60,580 | $48,070 |
| 75th percentile | $58,790 | $74,220 | $58,090 |
| 90th percentile | $62,790 | $74,960 | $62,250 |
| Mean (average) | $50,450 | $63,360 | $50,200 |
8,440
2.69
1.08
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Dental Assistant salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria: FAQ
How much do dental assistants make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
The median dental assistant salary in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area is $47,540, with the middle half earning between $44,240 and $58,790 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The full range runs from $37,870 at the 10th percentile to $62,790 at the 90th.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria higher or lower than the rest of District of Columbia?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria runs about 22% lower than the District of Columbia state median for dental assistants. It ranks 1st of 1 District of Columbia metro areas by median pay. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures.)
How does Washington-Arlington-Alexandria compare nationally?
Dental Assistant pay in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is about 1% lower than the U.S. median. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures, not adjusted for cost of living.)
How many dental assistants work in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?
BLS estimates 8,440 dental assistants were employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area in May 2025. Its location quotient is 1.08, so the role is close to the national average.
Other District of Columbia metros
Other roles in District of Columbia