Dental Assistant salary in Charleston, WV
Dental Assistants in the Charleston, WV metro area earn a median of $38,090 a year ($18.31 an hour), based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,270 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is about the same as the West Virginia statewide median of $37,960. There are 2.1 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $42,640, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Charleston, WV
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,270 | $16.47 |
| 25th percentile | $35,460 | $17.05 |
| Median | $38,090 | $18.31 |
| 75th percentile | $48,720 | $23.42 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $57,270 | $27.54 |
| Average (mean) | $42,640 | $20.50 |
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 | $3,174.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,587.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,465 |
| Weekly | $732.50 |
| Hourly | $18.31 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $38,090 salary, see how much house you can afford in West Virginia 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $47,540 | 8,440 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $46,690 | 260 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | $46,310 | 180 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | $44,610 | 110 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $43,790 | 60 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $42,660 | 240 |
| Morgantown, WV | $38,540 | 100 |
| Beckley, WV | $37,410 | 110 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $36,820 | 70 |
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 West Virginia statewide figures.
Related jobs in Charleston, WV
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $38,190 | $18.36 |
| Phlebotomist | $40,120 | $19.29 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $45,610 | $21.93 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $32,070 | $15.42 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $37,130 | $17.85 |
| Massage Therapist | $39,520 | $19.00 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $28,680 | $13.79 |
| Nursing Assistant | $36,250 | $17.43 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $63,020 | $30.30 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $57,520 | $27.65 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Charleston, WV
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 Charleston, WV?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Charleston, WV metro area is $38,090 a year, or $18.31 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,270 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Charleston, WV?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Charleston, WV metro area earn at least $57,270 a year. The top 25% earn $48,720 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Charleston, WV?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,270 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $35,460 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Charleston, WV?
About 210 dental assistants are employed in the Charleston, WV metro area, not counting the self-employed.