2013 California dental assisting salary survey

2013 California dental assisting salary survey

(National averages or percentages are in the parentheses to allow for comparison)

• Most common hourly rates: $20, $21, $23, $24, $25 ($18)
• % who earn $30 or more an hour: 8% (6%)
• % who last received a raise more than a year ago: 64% (56%)
• % who believe raises occur at fair intervals: 37% (41%)
• % who would recommend dental assisting as a profession: 73% (73%)
• % who envision continued employment as a dental assistant three years from now: 64% (71%)

Selected comments from California:

• I haven't had a raise in seven years and don't expect one any time soon. Dental assisting can be a good second income provided your significant other makes a hell of a lot more than you do!
• I would like to be crosstrained to do administrative dental work as well. The employees that are trained to do both back office and front office are paid much more.
• Even though I make $24, the average in California is probably closer to $18 to $20 per hour.
• It's a well paying and rewarding job. But it cannot support a family in the beginning.
• The income levels in the offices I've have worked for are very low. I have worked in this business for 10 years and the most I've made is $14.50. For everything we do to keep the office running smoothly we should get a much higher level of pay.
• They vary between general and specialty offices and between the areas in which people work. Income statistics should also include the whole package, such as vacation days, sick days, uniform allowance, medical insurance, 401Ks, and whatever other perks are offered. So many people look at the hourly rate and are disappointed but they should factor all of the other benefits in as well. My bosses pay over $500 per month for my medical insurance alone. I am very grateful to have a job I love and be appreciated.
• I am so disappointed every year when I see Parade Magazine's What People Earn issue considering the continuing education and CPR certificate needed to maintain our licenses and the amount we are paid. If I had a "do over" I would definitely choose a different career. I have been a dental assistant since 1981 and have an X-ray license, coronal polishing license, CDA, RDA and RDAEF. Last year I grossed around $20,000 due to the poor economy contributing to a downturn of patient flow. My dentist prefers the assistant who has been with him for 12 years over me who has worked there seven. So if there are not enough patients to support two assistants, I am the one who is told not to come in or asked to go home early. I will be 57 next month and never in my wildest dreams thought I would be struggling so much financially after working in dentistry for over 30 years. I love my job, our office is lovely, clean and up to date but for me, the return on investment has not worked out.
• It is very good if we stick to approved schools, not fly-by- night schools. Ask for and receive decent wages and benefits.
• Being a dental assistant does not pay well at all. You work the hardest, you’re there first thing in the morning, and the last one to leave. A hygienist makes three times what we make and work less. I should have gone to hygiene school for sure! I'm in my 50s and I could have been working just three days a week and make a lot more money than I am now.

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