Dental Salary Data · BLS OEWS May 2025
Dental Assistant Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines
The median dental assistant earns $50,020 a year in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro, with the middle half between $47,840 and $57,850.[1]
25th percentile
$47,840
Lower end of the middle half
Median
$50,020
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile
$57,850
Upper end of the middle half
Des Moines-West Des Moines runs about 3% higher than the Iowa median and ranks 1st of 9 Iowa metros. It is about 4% higher than the national median.
Des Moines-West Des Moines pay range vs. Iowa and the U.S.
| Percentile | Metro annual | Iowa annual | U.S. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,810 | $39,360 | $37,130 |
| 25th percentile | $47,840 | $45,990 | $44,340 |
| Median | $50,020 | $48,430 | $48,070 |
| 75th percentile | $57,850 | $57,620 | $58,090 |
| 90th percentile | $59,990 | $59,580 | $62,250 |
| Mean (average) | $52,570 | $50,450 | $50,200 |
660
1.64
0.66
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Dental Assistant salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines: FAQ
How much do dental assistants make in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The median dental assistant salary in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area is $50,020, with the middle half earning between $47,840 and $57,850 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The full range runs from $44,810 at the 10th percentile to $59,990 at the 90th.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines higher or lower than the rest of Iowa?
Des Moines-West Des Moines runs about 3% higher than the Iowa state median for dental assistants. It ranks 1st of 9 Iowa metro areas by median pay. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures.)
How does Des Moines-West Des Moines compare nationally?
Dental Assistant pay in Des Moines-West Des Moines 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines area?
BLS estimates 660 dental assistants were employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area in May 2025. Its location quotient is 0.66, so the role is less concentrated than the national average.
Other Iowa metros