Dental Assistant salary in Joplin, MO-KS
Dental Assistants in the Joplin, MO-KS metro area earn a median of $43,010 a year ($20.68 an hour), based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,020 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 6% lower than the Missouri statewide median of $45,970. There are 2.5 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $43,140, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Joplin, MO-KS
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,640 | $16.65 |
| 25th percentile | $38,120 | $18.33 |
| Median | $43,010 | $20.68 |
| 75th percentile | $47,320 | $22.75 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,020 | $23.57 |
| Average (mean) | $43,140 | $20.74 |
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 | $3,584.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,792.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,654.23 |
| Weekly | $827.12 |
| Hourly | $20.68 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $43,010 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 |
| Columbia, MO | $46,920 | 220 |
| Topeka, KS | $46,780 | 200 |
| 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 |
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 Joplin, MO-KS
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $37,220 | $17.89 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $44,890 | $21.58 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| Phlebotomist | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $33,800 | $16.25 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $34,800 | $16.73 |
| Nursing Assistant | $34,600 | $16.64 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $58,240 | $28.00 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Joplin, MO-KS
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 Joplin, MO-KS?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Joplin, MO-KS metro area is $43,010 a year, or $20.68 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,020 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Joplin, MO-KS?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Joplin, MO-KS metro area earn at least $49,020 a year. The top 25% earn $47,320 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Joplin, MO-KS?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,640 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $38,120 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Joplin, MO-KS?
About 210 dental assistants are employed in the Joplin, MO-KS metro area, not counting the self-employed.