Dental Assistant Salary in Montebello, CA: $52,436 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Montebello, CA earns a median $52,436/year (≈ $25.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Montebello's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $46,363 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Montebello, California, the dental assistant salary in 2026 is projected to reach a median of $52,436, positioning it above the national average of $49,579. This advantageous pay scale reflects the growing influence of dental service organizations (DSOs), which tend to offer structured salaries that can provide more security compared to independent practices. Salary ranges for dental assistants in the area are significant, with entry-level positions starting around $38,667 and experienced professionals earning up to $69,394. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the diverse economic opportunities present within Montebello's dental sector. Those entering the field can find rewarding prospects, especially in a market with strong DSO activity.
About the Montebello Market
Salary estimated from California average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,667 | $18.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,744 | $23.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,436 | $25.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,491 | $31.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,394 | $33.37 |
Median Salary Position
5.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montebello
In Montebello, CA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,727 (2026 est.). At $52,436, the local median is 5.76% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Montebello: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Montebello Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Montebello median: $52,436/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montebello Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $52,913 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +5.76% more |
Dental Assistants in Montebello, CA earn a median of $52,436 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.76% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.90% below the California state average of $52,913.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montebello has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montebello, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,436 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,363 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,390
2025 BLS Actual
$50,840
2026 Current Est.
$52,436
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Montebello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,390 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,553 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,888 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,222 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,514 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,436 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,083 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montebello metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $42,390 (2019) to $50,840 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,083 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,693 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montebello 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) | $38,667 – $49,744 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,744 – $52,436 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,436 – $64,491 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,491 – $69,394 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Montebello
Local employment statistics reveal that there are 16 dental assistants currently working in Montebello, contributing to a relatively stable job market despite a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which is above the national average. This higher cost of living necessitates careful consideration of compensation. Among various opportunities, dental assistants working in specialty practices such as orthodontics and oral surgery typically receive the highest wages. The variance in dental assistant pay relates to several factors, including the type of practice, whether the practitioner is part of a DSO, and specific credentials such as expanded function authority (EFDA), which can increase earning potential by up to 40% in more permissive states. To maximize salary in Montebello, pursuing additional certifications such as DANB CDA and engaging in roles like treatment coordinator can enhance income and job security in a competitive environment where pay can fluctuate significantly based on experience and ancillary responsibilities.
More salary data for Montebello, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $50,840 for dental assistantsin the Montebello 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 Montebello 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