Dental Assistant salary in Las Cruces, NM
Dental Assistants in the Las Cruces, NM metro area earn a median of $38,400 a year ($18.46 an hour), based on BLS data for 200 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,830 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 14% lower than the New Mexico statewide median of $44,400. There are 2.5 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $40,100, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Las Cruces, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,730 | $15.73 |
| 25th percentile | $37,250 | $17.91 |
| Median | $38,400 | $18.46 |
| 75th percentile | $45,190 | $21.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $46,830 | $22.51 |
| Average (mean) | $40,100 | $19.28 |
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 | $3,200 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,600 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,476.92 |
| Weekly | $738.46 |
| Hourly | $18.46 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $38,400 salary, see how much house you can afford in New Mexico 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | $47,160 | 210 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $44,810 | 1,000 |
| Farmington, NM | $42,400 | 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 New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Las Cruces, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $37,650 | $18.10 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,270 | $18.40 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $35,800 | $17.21 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $27,840 | $13.39 |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,400 | $17.98 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $61,220 | $29.43 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $29,800 | $14.33 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $75,750 | $36.42 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Las Cruces, NM
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 Las Cruces, NM?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Las Cruces, NM metro area is $38,400 a year, or $18.46 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,830 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Las Cruces, NM?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Las Cruces, NM metro area earn at least $46,830 a year. The top 25% earn $45,190 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Las Cruces, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,730 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $37,250 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Las Cruces, NM?
About 200 dental assistants are employed in the Las Cruces, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.