Dental Assistant salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
Dental Assistants in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area earn a median of $48,310 a year ($23.23 an hour), based on BLS data for 370 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,380 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,860 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $48,070. Pay here is about the same as the Iowa statewide median of $48,430. There are 2.7 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $51,110, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Cedar Rapids, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,380 | $18.93 |
| 25th percentile | $47,220 | $22.70 |
| Median | $48,310 | $23.23 |
| 75th percentile | $57,600 | $27.69 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,860 | $28.78 |
| Average (mean) | $51,110 | $24.57 |
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 | $4,025.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,012.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,858.08 |
| Weekly | $929.04 |
| Hourly | $23.23 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $48,310 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $50,020 | 660 |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,230 | 280 |
| Ames, IA | $49,140 | 110 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $48,590 | 190 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $48,020 | 1,150 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $47,970 | 170 |
| Dubuque, IA | $47,850 | 160 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $47,410 | 380 |
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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $46,480 | $22.35 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,210 | $17.41 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $31,140 | $14.97 |
| Phlebotomist | $37,320 | $17.94 |
| Massage Therapist | $49,350 | $23.73 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $39,290 | $18.89 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $41,070 | $19.74 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $35,370 | $17.00 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,110 | $18.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $58,180 | $27.97 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $52,560 | $25.27 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Cedar Rapids, IA
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 Cedar Rapids, IA?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area is $48,310 a year, or $23.23 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,380 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,860 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area earn at least $59,860 a year. The top 25% earn $57,600 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,380 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $47,220 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Cedar Rapids, IA?
About 370 dental assistants are employed in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.