How much does a dental assistant make in Des Moines?
$50,020a year
Median yearly pay for dental assistants in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area. That is $24.05 an hour or $4,168 a month.
- Hourly
- $24.05
- Vs. national median
- +4%
- Rank among cities
- 68 of 388
- Jobs in the area
- 660
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $44,810Median: $50,020Highest 10%: $59,990
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $44,810 | $21.54 | |
| 25th | $47,840 | $23.00 | |
| Median | $50,020 | $24.05 | |
| 75th | $57,850 | $27.81 | |
| 90th | $59,990 | $28.84 |
Other cities in Iowa
Median yearly pay for dental assistants.
| Iowa City, IA | $49,230 |
| Ames, IA | $49,140 |
| 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 Des Moines
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Massage Therapist | $76,090 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $64,250 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $61,360 |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 |
| Healthcare Support Worker | $46,310 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $45,020 |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,940 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,490 |
| Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker | $37,560 |
| Orderly | $37,090 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make an hour in Des Moines?
The median hourly pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $24.05 ($50,020 a year).
Do dental assistants make more in Des Moines than the national average?
Yes: $50,020 against $48,070 nationally, 4% more.
How does Des Moines compare with the rest of Iowa?
The median in Iowa is $48,430, so Des Moines pays 3% more.
Where does Des Moines rank for dental assistant pay?
68 of 388 metro areas with data.
How much does a dental assistant make starting out in Des Moines?
The lowest-paid 10% make $44,810 or less a year; the top 10% make $59,990 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.