Dental Assistant Salary in Enterprise, AL: $38,155 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Enterprise, AL earns a median $38,155/year (≈ $18.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Enterprise's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $43,407 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Enterprise, AL, the projected median annual salary for dental assistants in 2026 is $38,155, reflecting local economic conditions and the influence of the state's expanded function authority for dental assistants (EFDA). This salary positions local dental assistants lower than the national median of $49,579, with local salaries expected to range from $31,931 at the 10th percentile to $46,273 at the 90th percentile. The data, drawn from 2025 BLS state-level insights and adjusted for regional living costs, indicates a job market that rewards those with specialized skills such as EFDA certification, which can drive compensation above standard rates. Given the emerging DSO presence in the area, opportunities for career advancement and salary growth are on the rise, suggesting a favorable outlook for aspiring and current dental assistants in Enterprise.
About the Enterprise Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,931 | $15.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,588 | $17.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,155 | $18.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,684 | $21.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,273 | $22.25 |
Median Salary Position
23.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Enterprise
In Enterprise, AL, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,342 (2026 est.). At $38,155, the local median is 23.04% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Enterprise: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Enterprise Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Enterprise median: $38,155/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Enterprise Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $39,457 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -23.04% less |
Dental Assistants in Enterprise, AL earn a median of $38,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.04% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.30% below the Alabama state average of $39,457.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Enterprise has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Enterprise, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $38,155 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,407 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,844
2025 BLS Actual
$36,993
2026 Current Est.
$38,155
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Enterprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,844 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,691 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,751 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,492 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,816 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,612 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,993 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,155 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,353 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Enterprise metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $30,844 (2019) to $36,993 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,353 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,509 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Enterprise metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $31,931 – $36,588 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,588 – $38,155 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,155 – $44,684 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,684 – $46,273 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Enterprise
While the employment market currently supports just six dental assistants in Enterprise, living expenses are relatively low with a cost-of-living index at 87.9, which enhances the purchasing power of salaries in this region. General dental practices and DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen often lead the pay scale in the area, while specialty practices such as orthodontics and oral surgery typically offer higher compensation. The salary variability stems from factors like the type of dental practice, the presence of an EFDA credential, and potential roles as treatment coordinators or lead dental assistants. To maximize earnings in this competitive market, pursuing EFDA credentialing and expanding skills through ongoing education can significantly boost pay prospects and open doors for advancement in a rapidly evolving workforce.
More salary data for Enterprise, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Enterprise, AL in 2026?
Is Enterprise, AL a good place to work as a dental assistant?
Can dental assistants make $100K in Enterprise?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental assistant salary in Enterprise?
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Related Pages
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $36,993 for dental assistantsin the Enterprise metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Enterprise is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov