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 2% higher than the Virginia median and ranks 2nd of 11 Virginia metros. It is about 1% lower than the national median.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria pay range vs. Virginia and the U.S.
| Percentile | Metro annual | Virginia annual | U.S. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,870 | $37,720 | $37,130 |
| 25th percentile | $44,240 | $39,160 | $44,340 |
| Median | $47,540 | $46,670 | $48,070 |
| 75th percentile | $58,790 | $53,040 | $58,090 |
| 90th percentile | $62,790 | $58,910 | $62,250 |
| Mean (average) | $50,450 | $47,490 | $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 Virginia?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria runs about 2% higher than the Virginia state median for dental assistants. It ranks 2nd of 11 Virginia 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.
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