Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| California | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $50,110 | $48,867 | +3% |
| Median hourly wage | $24.09 | $23.49 | +3% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $45,266.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-level data coming soon. | ||||
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistant in California is $50,110, or about $24.09 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Dental Assistants is $48,867. California is +3% above the national median.
Entry-level dental assistants in California typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.
With 56,220 dental assistant jobs on record and a median salary of $50,110, California offers above-average pay compared to the rest of the country.