Dental Assistant Salaries in Montana
Montana combines large size with a low population total. In all parts of this vast state, dental services are regularly needed to maintain sound oral health. This means that dentists and dental assistants remain in constant demand.
In line with Montana’s increasing needs, the state’s total number of dental assistant positions is growing. In fact, about 200 jobs (an increase of 15 percent) will be added between 2016 and 2026. What’s more, in the average year, changes in employment status lead to roughly 170 postings for assistant positions.
With an aging population and a rise in the number of people with dental insurance, the demand for dental services is expected to continue to grow. This means that opportunities for dental assistants will continue to be strong in Montana. Dentists typically look for candidates who have completed an Montana-accredited dental assistant program and are certified by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Those who have experience working in a dental office, are familiar with dental software, and are comfortable using dental equipment will also have an advantage when applying for jobs.
At $37,000-plus a year, Montana dental assistant salaries fall on the lower side of the national average. However, the state’s most experienced assistants can draw annual salaries close to $50,000.
| 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 |
| Montana | 2016 | 1,270 | 2026 | 1,470 | 200 | 15.7% | 170 |
| 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 |
| Montana | 1,360 | $17.89 | $37,210 | $27,470 | $32,200 | $36,660 | $42,370 | $49,360 |
In all major metropolitan areas, Montana dental assistants earn similar annual incomes. The highest earnings, an average of just over $39,000, can be found in the Billings area. That’s less than $2,000 more than the lowest earnings (found in the Missoula area).
| Area | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 250 | $18.81 | $39,120 | $27,890 | $32,990 | $38,590 | $46,240 | $51,340 |
| Great Falls, MT | 120 | $17.77 | $36,960 | $28,400 | $32,170 | $36,070 | $40,180 | $48,250 |
| Missoula, MT | 190 | $17.97 | $37,380 | $27,840 | $32,990 | $37,180 | $43,140 | $48,990 |
Montana dental assistants rank well behind physical therapy assistants for annual income. Medical and pharmacy assistants make just a little less than dental assistants. Nursing assistants, however, earn several thousand dollars less each year.
| Occupation | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technicians | 1180 | $17.50 | $36,390 | $28,260 | $32,280 | $35,940 | $39,640 | $46,640 |
| Nursing Assistants | 5720 | $14.63 | $30,440 | $23,800 | $26,890 | $30,020 | $34,180 | $38,690 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 280 | $25.90 | $53,870 | $36,850 | $43,970 | $51,220 | $62,260 | $73,790 |
| Dental Assistants | 1360 | $17.89 | $37,210 | $27,470 | $32,200 | $36,660 | $42,370 | $49,360 |
| Medical Assistants | 1240 | $17.50 | $36,390 | $27,590 | $31,360 | $36,110 | $40,730 | $47,580 |