Dental Assistant Salary in Juneau, AK: $52,003 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Juneau, AK earns a median $52,003/year (≈ $25.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Juneau's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 106.1), that paycheck buys what $49,013 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Alaska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Juneau, Alaska, the projected median annual salary for dental assistants in 2026 is $52,003, representing a 4.89% increase over the national median of $49,579. Dental assistants in this region earn between $39,321 and $63,560, with a notable local demand driven by specialty practices. These positions are increasingly attractive for aspiring dental assistants, particularly those interested in orthodontics and oral surgery, which often offer higher pay due to the complexities involved in these fields. Data from state-level estimates, adjusted for regional costs, reflect the nuances of Juneau's unique dental market, including the impact of limited employment opportunities, as only six dental assistants are currently employed in the area.
About the Juneau Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,321 | $18.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,095 | $24.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,003 | $25.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,045 | $29.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,560 | $30.56 |
Median Salary Position
4.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Juneau
In Juneau, AK, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,239 (2026 est.). At $52,003, the local median is 4.89% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Juneau: You'd be above the median
How Juneau Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Juneau median: $52,003/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Juneau Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $52,582 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +4.89% more |
Dental Assistants in Juneau, AK earn a median of $52,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.89% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.10% below the Alaska state average of $52,582.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Juneau has a cost of living 6.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Juneau, AK has a cost-of-living index of 106.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,003 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,013 — a 5.75% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,039
2025 BLS Actual
$50,420
2026 Current Est.
$52,003
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Juneau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,039 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,193 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,011 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,815 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,542 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,003 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,636 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Juneau metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $42,039 (2019) to $50,420 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,636 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,597 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Juneau 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) | $39,321 – $50,095 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,095 – $52,003 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,003 – $61,045 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,045 – $63,560 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Juneau
With a cost of living index of 106.1, Juneau's dental assistant pay must stretch to cover everyday expenses, highlighting the importance of maximizing earning potential. Among the various employers, orthodontic and oral surgery practices typically offer the highest salaries, while general dental offices, including those under larger DSO chains such as Heartland and Aspen, follow closely. The disparity in pay often correlates with the type of practice, the assistants’ level of training, and credentials such as the EFDA. Expanded function dental assistants (EFDAs) in states that allow such roles can command significantly higher salaries. For those seeking to elevate their dental assistant salary in Juneau, pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions in higher-paying specialty practices are key strategies to enhance their financial standing in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Juneau, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dental assistants make $100K in Juneau?
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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 $50,420 for dental assistantsin the Juneau 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 Juneau 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