Dental Assistant salary in Sioux City, IA-NE-SD
Dental Assistants in the Sioux City, IA-NE-SD metro area earn a median of $48,590 a year ($23.36 an hour), based on BLS data for 190 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,530 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,660 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is about the same as the Iowa statewide median of $48,430. There are 2.5 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $51,060, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Sioux City, IA-NE-SD
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,530 | $19.01 |
| 25th percentile | $46,940 | $22.57 |
| Median | $48,590 | $23.36 |
| 75th percentile | $58,140 | $27.95 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,660 | $28.68 |
| Average (mean) | $51,060 | $24.55 |
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 | $4,049.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,024.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,868.85 |
| Weekly | $934.42 |
| Hourly | $23.36 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $48,590 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $50,020 | 660 |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,230 | 280 |
| Ames, IA | $49,140 | 110 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $48,890 | 450 |
| Lincoln, NE | $48,440 | 580 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $48,310 | 370 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $48,020 | 1,150 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $47,970 | 170 |
| Dubuque, IA | $47,850 | 160 |
| Rapid City, SD | $47,850 | 320 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $47,410 | 380 |
| Grand Island, NE | $46,910 | 100 |
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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Sioux City, IA-NE-SD
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $45,650 | $21.95 |
| Phlebotomist | $37,430 | $18.00 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $31,220 | $15.01 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $42,430 | $20.40 |
| Massage Therapist | $61,890 | $29.76 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $36,580 | $17.59 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,940 | $18.72 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $60,530 | $29.10 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Sioux City, IA-NE-SD
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 Sioux City, IA-NE-SD?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Sioux City, IA-NE-SD metro area is $48,590 a year, or $23.36 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,530 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,660 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Sioux City, IA-NE-SD?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Sioux City, IA-NE-SD metro area earn at least $59,660 a year. The top 25% earn $58,140 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Sioux City, IA-NE-SD?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,530 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $46,940 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Sioux City, IA-NE-SD?
About 190 dental assistants are employed in the Sioux City, IA-NE-SD metro area, not counting the self-employed.