Dental Assistant Salary in California
A dental assistant in California earns an estimated $54,800 a year ($26.35 an hour). Most workers fall from $37,300 to $79,500, depending on experience and employer.
Advertisement
Dental Assistant pay in California
| Per year | Per hour | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (estimate) | $37,300 | $17.93 |
| Median (estimate) | $54,800 | $26.35 |
| Experienced (estimate) | $79,500 | $38.22 |
| US national median | $47,500 | $22.84 |
The California estimate is 15% above the national median, reflecting local prices and wages.
Advertisement
Take-home pay
On the median figure a single filer in California keeps about $43,472 a year after federal tax, FICA and state tax, or $1,671.99 per biweekly paycheck. Try your exact numbers in the California paycheck calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make in California?
About $54,800 a year at the median (estimate).
Is this an official figure?
No. It is an estimate based on the national BLS median and a state wage index. Check BLS OEWS tables for official data.
Sources and method
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Bureau of Economic Analysis: regional price parities
- Estimate, not official state data
Page last updated November 2026. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.