Dental Salary Data · BLS OEWS May 2025
Dental Assistant Salary in Columbia
The median dental assistant earns $46,920 a year in the Columbia metro, with the middle half between $38,940 and $48,280.[1]
25th percentile
$38,940
Lower end of the middle half
Median
$46,920
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile
$48,280
Upper end of the middle half
Columbia runs about 2% higher than the Missouri median and ranks 3rd of 8 Missouri metros. It is about 2% lower than the national median.
Columbia pay range vs. Missouri and the U.S.
| Percentile | Metro annual | Missouri annual | U.S. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,990 | $36,580 | $37,130 |
| 25th percentile | $38,940 | $38,990 | $44,340 |
| Median | $46,920 | $45,970 | $48,070 |
| 75th percentile | $48,280 | $50,150 | $58,090 |
| 90th percentile | $57,550 | $59,410 | $62,250 |
| Mean (average) | $45,860 | $46,790 | $50,200 |
220
2.05
0.82
For dental pros in Columbia
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Dental Assistant salary in Columbia: FAQ
How much do dental assistants make in Columbia?
The median dental assistant salary in the Columbia metro area is $46,920, with the middle half earning between $38,940 and $48,280 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The full range runs from $34,990 at the 10th percentile to $57,550 at the 90th.
Is Columbia higher or lower than the rest of Missouri?
Columbia runs about 2% higher than the Missouri state median for dental assistants. It ranks 3rd of 8 Missouri metro areas by median pay. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures.)
How does Columbia compare nationally?
Dental Assistant pay in Columbia is about 2% 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 Columbia area?
BLS estimates 220 dental assistants were employed in the Columbia metro area in May 2025. Its location quotient is 0.82, so the role is less concentrated than the national average.
Other Missouri metros