How Much Can Dental Assistants Make in Idaho?
Idaho is one of America’s biggest states by area, although it has a relatively small, low-density population. In both urban and rural settings, the state’s residents call on the services of healthcare providers such as dentists and dental assistants.
The state’s dental workforce is prepared to meet the needs of patients, with over 1,200 dentists and more than 2,000 dental assistants currently licensed to practice in Idaho. The majority of the state’s dentists work in private practice, while around a quarter are employed by dental schools or other educational institutions.
The number of dental assistants working in Idaho is growing slowly over time. Over a ten-year span starting in 2016, the state will gain about 40 new assistant positions. Through growth and job turnover, dentists in Idaho list about 100 openings for dental assistants in the typical year.
Idaho dental assistants make an average of just over $34,500 annually. This level of earnings falls well below the $41,000-plus made by the middle tier of assistants nationwide. The top 10 percent of Idaho dental assistants make an average of $45,700 a year.
| AreaName | Base Year | Employed | Projection Year | Projected Employment | Change | % Change | Projected Average Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2018 | 346,000 | 2026 | 384,700 | 38,700 | 19.5% | 44,800 |
| Idaho | 2016 | 820 | 2026 | 860 | 40 | 4.9% | 100 |
| State | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | 351,470 | $19.79 | $41,170 | $27,980 | $33,440 | $40,080 | $48,550 | $56,930 |
| Idaho | 2,260 | $16.62 | $34,580 | $26,020 | $29,180 | $34,440 | $39,510 | $45,700 |
Dental assistants working in Idaho can expect significant regional differences in yearly earnings. The highest average salary, $37,000-plus, is found in the Lewiston metro area on the Washington border. Assistants working in the Logan area make fully $10,000 less each year.
| Area | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | 750 | $17.72 | $36,860 | $27,430 | $31,220 | $36,610 | $41,670 | $48,380 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 250 | $18.00 | $37,440 | $30,130 | $34,230 | $37,490 | $40,910 | $46,800 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 300 | $16.64 | $34,600 | $26,740 | $29,500 | $33,410 | $39,280 | $46,530 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | 100 | $17.85 | $37,120 | $25,070 | $33,330 | $37,100 | $41,070 | $48,810 |
| Logan, UT-ID | 230 | $13.09 | $27,220 | $20,220 | $22,910 | $26,250 | $30,560 | $36,650 |
| Pocatello, ID | 210 | $14.40 | $29,960 | $22,700 | $25,910 | $29,220 | $34,100 | $39,110 |
| Twin Falls, ID | 180 | $15.94 | $33,160 | $26,300 | $28,710 | $32,740 | $37,870 | $41,710 |
Dental assistants and medical assistants make roughly the same amount of money in Idaho. However, physical therapy assistants have much higher salaries.
| Occupation | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technicians | 2190 | $17.60 | $36,600 | $26,570 | $31,420 | $36,150 | $41,860 | $48,590 |
| Nursing Assistants | 7210 | $13.92 | $28,950 | $21,950 | $24,740 | $28,470 | $32,340 | $37,750 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 590 | $24.60 | $51,170 | $22,800 | $31,310 | $55,360 | $63,300 | $75,260 |
| Dental Assistants | 2260 | $16.62 | $34,580 | $26,020 | $29,180 | $34,440 | $39,510 | $45,700 |
| Medical Assistants | 3350 | $16.69 | $34,710 | $25,800 | $29,160 | $34,480 | $39,310 | $45,030 |