Dental Assistant salary in Columbia, MO
Dental Assistants in the Columbia, MO metro area earn a median of $46,920 a year ($22.56 an hour), based on BLS data for 220 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,550 for the top 10%. That is 2% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 2% higher than the Missouri statewide median of $45,970. There are 2.0 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $45,860, close to the median.
Pay range for dental assistants in Columbia, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,990 | $16.82 |
| 25th percentile | $38,940 | $18.72 |
| Median | $46,920 | $22.56 |
| 75th percentile | $48,280 | $23.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $57,550 | $27.67 |
| Average (mean) | $45,860 | $22.05 |
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 | $3,910 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,955 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,804.62 |
| Weekly | $902.31 |
| Hourly | $22.56 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $46,920 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $48,190 | 2,470 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $48,120 | 2,990 |
| Springfield, MO | $45,500 | 850 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $44,370 | 150 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $44,090 | 150 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $43,500 | 140 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $43,010 | 210 |
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 Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, MO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $41,350 | $19.88 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $46,340 | $22.28 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $34,900 | $16.78 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $36,820 | $17.70 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $41,020 | $19.72 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $36,860 | $17.72 |
| Nursing Assistant | $41,290 | $19.85 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $63,540 | $30.55 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $62,810 | $30.20 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $29,130 | $14.01 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | $33,480 | $16.09 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, MO
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 Columbia, MO?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Columbia, MO metro area is $46,920 a year, or $22.56 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,550 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Columbia, MO?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Columbia, MO metro area earn at least $57,550 a year. The top 25% earn $48,280 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Columbia, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,990 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $38,940 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Columbia, MO?
About 220 dental assistants are employed in the Columbia, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.