Dental Assistant salary in Missoula, MT
Dental Assistants in the Missoula, MT metro area earn a median of $46,550 a year ($22.38 an hour), based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,200 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is about the same as the Montana statewide median of $46,680. There are 3.1 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $47,500, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Missoula, MT
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,910 | $18.71 |
| 25th percentile | $44,830 | $21.55 |
| Median | $46,550 | $22.38 |
| 75th percentile | $49,070 | $23.59 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $56,200 | $27.02 |
| Average (mean) | $47,500 | $22.84 |
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 | $3,879.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,939.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,790.38 |
| Weekly | $895.19 |
| Hourly | $22.38 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $46,550 salary, see how much house you can afford in Montana 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT | $49,160 | 190 |
| Billings, MT | $47,550 | 330 |
| Helena, MT | $46,870 | 130 |
| Great Falls, MT | $46,360 | 120 |
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 Montana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Missoula, MT
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $46,520 | $22.37 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $38,520 | $18.52 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $46,080 | $22.15 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $36,780 | $17.68 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $41,300 | $19.86 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $38,050 | $18.29 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,550 | $18.53 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Missoula, MT
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 Missoula, MT?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Missoula, MT metro area is $46,550 a year, or $22.38 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,200 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Missoula, MT?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Missoula, MT metro area earn at least $56,200 a year. The top 25% earn $49,070 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Missoula, MT?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,910 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $44,830 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Missoula, MT?
About 210 dental assistants are employed in the Missoula, MT metro area, not counting the self-employed.