Salaries and Employment for Dental Assistants in Indiana
Indiana has a growing population and a growing demand for dental assistants. The entire healthcare industry is expanding rapidly as people become more health conscious and the population ages. Dentists need assistants to work with patients, keep the office clean, and assist during exams and procedures.
There are currently 5,510 dental assistants working in Indiana, and that number is expected to grow to 6,530 by 2026. This rapid growth of nearly 19 percent is faster than average job growth across the U.S. Demand will continue to grow for qualified dental assistants.
The Indiana Dental Association is a professional organization that offers resources and networking opportunities for dental professionals in the state. The Indiana Dental Assistants Association also provides support and information for those working in this career. Joining one or both of these organizations can help you stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends.
Dental assistants in Indiana can expect to earn around $42,000, an average salary that closely mirrors the average across all states. With more experience and depending on location, it’s possible to earn up to $58,000 and more in the state.
| 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 |
| Indiana | 2016 | 5,510 | 2026 | 6,530 | 1,020 | 18.5% | 760 |
| 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 |
| Indiana | 6,390 | $20.21 | $42,040 | $30,240 | $34,770 | $40,680 | $49,400 | $58,630 |
There is some variety in salary and employment levels in Indiana depending on location. The highest salaries are in the Indianapolis area, but the greatest number of dental assistants working is in the metro area that includes Chicago. The lowest salaries in the state on average are in Terre Haute.
| Area | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 170 | $21.09 | $43,870 | $32,380 | $37,640 | $44,240 | $50,140 | $56,680 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 10760 | $19.72 | $41,030 | $29,490 | $34,190 | $41,110 | $48,590 | $53,610 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 2510 | $20.33 | $42,280 | $28,890 | $32,870 | $39,900 | $49,460 | $60,510 |
| Columbus, IN | ** | $21.66 | $45,050 | $32,670 | $35,910 | $41,610 | $56,270 | $62,300 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 150 | $22.90 | $47,630 | $35,260 | $42,540 | $48,470 | $54,370 | $60,320 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 280 | $19.04 | $39,600 | $32,980 | $34,940 | $38,130 | $43,910 | $50,310 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 630 | $19.59 | $40,740 | $32,780 | $35,310 | $39,250 | $45,400 | $52,000 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 2120 | $21.36 | $44,420 | $31,790 | $36,230 | $43,330 | $51,630 | $60,980 |
| Kokomo, IN | 80 | $21.24 | $44,180 | $33,310 | $38,090 | $44,180 | $50,800 | $57,450 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 190 | $17.06 | $35,490 | $25,670 | $32,380 | $35,900 | $39,540 | $46,330 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 1460 | $19.28 | $40,090 | $27,620 | $33,530 | $39,020 | $47,840 | $57,160 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | 100 | $18.93 | $39,370 | $29,210 | $33,220 | $37,750 | $43,690 | $55,950 |
| Muncie, IN | 120 | $19.33 | $40,210 | $28,840 | $34,180 | $39,260 | $47,240 | $55,760 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 270 | $20.47 | $42,590 | $33,350 | $35,730 | $39,670 | $49,470 | $59,600 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 110 | $14.18 | $29,490 | $16,870 | $18,580 | $31,770 | $37,750 | $42,430 |
Among similar healthcare assistant careers, dental assistants earn more than most. Only physical therapist assistants earn more. Indiana dental assistants out-earn medical and nursing assistants and pharmacy technicians by as much as $13,000.
| Occupation | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technicians | 9610 | $15.58 | $32,410 | $23,010 | $26,930 | $32,100 | $37,520 | $43,140 |
| Nursing Assistants | 30890 | $13.75 | $28,610 | $21,900 | $24,810 | $28,370 | $31,860 | $36,730 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 2620 | $27.56 | $57,330 | $41,720 | $47,560 | $56,160 | $65,220 | $77,610 |
| Dental Assistants | 6390 | $20.21 | $42,040 | $30,240 | $34,770 | $40,680 | $49,400 | $58,630 |
| Medical Assistants | 16120 | $16.37 | $34,050 | $26,720 | $29,550 | $33,880 | $38,280 | $42,020 |