Dental Assistant salary in Arecibo, PR
Dental Assistants in the Arecibo, PR metro area earn a median of $35,100 a year ($16.88 an hour), based on BLS data for 170 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $55,500 for the top 10%. That is 27% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 2% lower than the Puerto Rico statewide median of $35,910. There are 4.8 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.9× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $36,510, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Arecibo, PR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,470 | $10.80 |
| 25th percentile | $26,660 | $12.82 |
| Median | $35,100 | $16.88 |
| 75th percentile | $46,470 | $22.34 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $55,500 | $26.69 |
| Average (mean) | $36,510 | $17.55 |
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 | $2,925 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,462.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,350 |
| Weekly | $675 |
| Hourly | $16.88 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $35,100 salary, see how much house you can afford 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 |
|---|---|---|
| San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR | $36,130 | 2,260 |
| Aguadilla, PR | $35,030 | 180 |
| Ponce, PR | $30,260 | 240 |
| Mayaguez, PR | $29,330 | 230 |
| Guayama, PR | $26,950 | 60 |
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 Puerto Rico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Arecibo, PR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Aide | $26,820 | $12.90 |
| Phlebotomist | $29,430 | $14.15 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $21,840 | $10.50 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Arecibo, PR
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 Arecibo, PR?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Arecibo, PR metro area is $35,100 a year, or $16.88 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $55,500 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Arecibo, PR?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Arecibo, PR metro area earn at least $55,500 a year. The top 25% earn $46,470 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Arecibo, PR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,470 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $26,660 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Arecibo, PR?
About 170 dental assistants are employed in the Arecibo, PR metro area, not counting the self-employed.