How much does a dental assistant make in Ames?
$49,140a year
Median yearly pay for dental assistants in the Ames, IA metro area. That is $23.63 an hour or $4,095 a month.
- Hourly
- $23.63
- Vs. national median
- +2%
- Rank among cities
- 91 of 388
- Jobs in the area
- 110
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $45,490Median: $49,140Highest 10%: $60,270
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $45,490 | $21.87 | |
| 25th | $47,650 | $22.91 | |
| Median | $49,140 | $23.63 | |
| 75th | $58,640 | $28.19 | |
| 90th | $60,270 | $28.98 |
Other cities in Iowa
Median yearly pay for dental assistants.
| Des Moines, IA | $50,020 |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,230 |
| Sioux City, IA | $48,590 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $48,310 |
| Omaha, NE | $48,020 |
| Waterloo, IA | $47,970 |
| Dubuque, IA | $47,850 |
| Davenport, IA | $47,410 |
Related jobs in Ames
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Medical Assistant | $45,810 |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,540 |
| Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker | $38,300 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide | $35,660 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make an hour in Ames?
The median hourly pay in the Ames, IA metro area is $23.63 ($49,140 a year).
Do dental assistants make more in Ames than the national average?
Yes: $49,140 against $48,070 nationally, 2% more.
How does Ames compare with the rest of Iowa?
The median in Iowa is $48,430, so Ames pays 1% more.
Where does Ames rank for dental assistant pay?
91 of 388 metro areas with data.
How much does a dental assistant make starting out in Ames?
The lowest-paid 10% make $45,490 or less a year; the top 10% make $60,270 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.