Dental Assistant salary in Albuquerque, NM
Dental Assistants in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn a median of $44,810 a year ($21.54 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,000 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $54,500 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 1% higher than the New Mexico statewide median of $44,400. There are 2.5 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $44,100, close to the median.
Pay range for dental assistants in Albuquerque, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,300 | $17.93 |
| 25th percentile | $38,830 | $18.67 |
| Median | $44,810 | $21.54 |
| 75th percentile | $46,830 | $22.51 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $54,500 | $26.20 |
| Average (mean) | $44,100 | $21.20 |
Half of dental assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,734.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,867.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,723.46 |
| Weekly | $861.73 |
| Hourly | $21.54 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $44,810 salary, see how much house you can afford in New Mexico at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Dental Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | $47,160 | 210 |
| Farmington, NM | $42,400 | 210 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $38,400 | 200 |
Highest-paying states for dental assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $65,270 |
| District of Columbia | $60,580 |
| Maine | $60,070 |
| New Hampshire | $59,530 |
| Oregon | $59,490 |
| Washington | $58,090 |
| Massachusetts | $57,980 |
| North Dakota | $57,770 |
| Alaska | $57,710 |
| Connecticut | $56,850 |
See Dental Assistant pay in every state or the New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Albuquerque, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $39,200 | $18.84 |
| Phlebotomist | $44,720 | $21.50 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $53,850 | $25.89 |
| Massage Therapist | $36,440 | $17.52 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $36,820 | $17.70 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $37,480 | $18.02 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $38,630 | $18.57 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $30,170 | $14.51 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,950 | $19.21 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $59,620 | $28.66 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $74,380 | $35.76 |
| Orderly | $37,650 | $18.10 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Albuquerque, NM
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-9091. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Albuquerque, NM metro area is $44,810 a year, or $21.54 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $54,500 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Albuquerque, NM?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn at least $54,500 a year. The top 25% earn $46,830 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Albuquerque, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,300 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $38,830 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Albuquerque, NM?
About 1,000 dental assistants are employed in the Albuquerque, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.