What Can Dental Assistants Make in Utah?
Utah is known for the Great Salt Lake and natural beauty, but in recent years it has also become a hotspot for snowbirds and retirees. This growing, and aging, population continues to demand more and better healthcare and dental care, which is why qualified dental assistants are needed here more than ever.
The rate of job growth for dental assistants in Utah is 29 percent, faster than in any other state. Many more dental assistants are needed to meet the demands of the growing population and to help dentists run their practices safely and smoothly.
Most dental assistants in Utah are employed full-time. In addition to offering a rewarding career, dental assisting is also considered an attractive field. Individuals who love working with people and having direct contact with patients may find this field stimulating and satisfying. Since the job outlook for dental assistants remains excellent, now is an ideal time to begin training and education in this field.
Utah offers several dental assistant schools that can provide the education and training necessary to become a licensed dental assistant. Students who successfully complete an accredited dental assistant program will be eligible to take the national Dental Assisting Board examination. Once licensed, dental assistants in Utah will be able to find numerous job opportunities in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including private practices, hospitals, universities, and dentist offices.
Salaries for dental assistants in the state need to catch up to demand. The average annual salary in Utah is nearly $10,000 less than the national average. Although the state average is just around $32,000 per year, top earners can make more than $41,000.
| 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 |
| Utah | 2016 | 5,280 | 2026 | 6,810 | 1,530 | 29.0% | 810 |
| 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 |
| Utah | 5,450 | $15.74 | $32,740 | $23,280 | $27,780 | $32,390 | $37,320 | $41,860 |
Utah is a state with a sparse population in most areas, so the larger metro areas of Ogden-Clearfield, Provo-Orem and Salt Lake City have the most dental assistants by far. The highest salaries are in Salt Lake City and the popular retirement area of St. George.
| Area | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logan, UT-ID | 230 | $13.09 | $27,220 | $20,220 | $22,910 | $26,250 | $30,560 | $36,650 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | 1150 | $14.95 | $31,100 | $25,520 | $27,390 | $30,260 | $34,920 | $38,820 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | 1150 | $14.00 | $29,120 | $18,200 | $20,580 | $29,200 | $35,150 | $39,700 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 2130 | $17.35 | $36,080 | $28,650 | $32,040 | $35,290 | $38,680 | $44,420 |
| St. George, UT | 310 | $16.82 | $34,990 | $25,280 | $27,980 | $33,800 | $42,180 | $48,710 |
When compared to similar careers in Utah by salary, dental assistants do not come out on top. They earn less in the state than physical therapist assistants, pharmacy technicians and medical assistants, but more than nursing assistants.
| Occupation | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technicians | 3700 | $18.01 | $37,470 | $28,190 | $32,600 | $36,860 | $42,330 | $48,910 |
| Nursing Assistants | 11760 | $13.89 | $28,890 | $22,110 | $25,380 | $28,710 | $31,880 | $36,770 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 800 | $26.51 | $55,130 | $24,510 | $45,530 | $56,610 | $65,780 | $78,470 |
| Dental Assistants | 5450 | $15.74 | $32,740 | $23,280 | $27,780 | $32,390 | $37,320 | $41,860 |
| Medical Assistants | 7940 | $16.39 | $34,090 | $26,670 | $29,600 | $33,880 | $38,280 | $42,010 |