Dental Assistant salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
Dental Assistants in the Tuscaloosa, AL metro area earn a median of $38,050 a year ($18.29 an hour), based on BLS data for 200 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,660 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,140 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 3% lower than the Alabama statewide median of $39,080. There are 1.8 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.73). The average (mean) salary is $39,030, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Tuscaloosa, AL
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,660 | $14.26 |
| 25th percentile | $35,110 | $16.88 |
| Median | $38,050 | $18.29 |
| 75th percentile | $44,130 | $21.22 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,140 | $22.66 |
| Average (mean) | $39,030 | $18.76 |
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 | $3,170.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,585.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,463.46 |
| Weekly | $731.73 |
| Hourly | $18.29 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $38,050 salary, see how much house you can afford in Alabama 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL | $43,930 | 390 |
| Birmingham, AL | $42,050 | 1,120 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $42,050 | 260 |
| Decatur, AL | $40,440 | 90 |
| Mobile, AL | $38,800 | 310 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $38,550 | 130 |
| Montgomery, AL | $38,260 | 280 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $38,220 | 260 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $37,170 | 120 |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL | $37,060 | 80 |
| Dothan, AL | $36,820 | 140 |
| Gadsden, AL | $35,690 | 70 |
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 Alabama statewide figures.
Related jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $35,930 | $17.27 |
| Phlebotomist | $32,020 | $15.40 |
| Massage Therapist | $49,560 | $23.83 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $36,550 | $17.57 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $28,550 | $13.73 |
| Nursing Assistant | $32,860 | $15.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $64,040 | $30.79 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $31,900 | $15.34 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Tuscaloosa, AL
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 Tuscaloosa, AL?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Tuscaloosa, AL metro area is $38,050 a year, or $18.29 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,660 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,140 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Tuscaloosa, AL metro area earn at least $47,140 a year. The top 25% earn $44,130 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Tuscaloosa, AL?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,660 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $35,110 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Tuscaloosa, AL?
About 200 dental assistants are employed in the Tuscaloosa, AL metro area, not counting the self-employed.