Dental Assistant Salary in San Buenaventura, CA: $53,448 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in San Buenaventura, CA earns a median $53,448/year (≈ $25.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in San Buenaventura's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $47,257 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for a dental assistant in San Buenaventura, CA, is projected to reach $53,448, offering a competitive advantage over the national median of $49,579. This salary represents a range that spans from $42,544 at the 10th percentile to $72,052 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within this profession. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price parity considerations. Practitioners specializing in orthodontal and oral surgery fields may expect to secure higher earnings, reinforcing the market dynamics that reward specialized skills in San Buenaventura’s dental landscape.
About the San Buenaventura Market
Salary estimated from California average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,544 | $20.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,149 | $24.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,448 | $25.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,333 | $31.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,052 | $34.64 |
Median Salary Position
7.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Buenaventura
In San Buenaventura, CA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,508 (2026 est.). At $53,448, the local median is 7.8% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Buenaventura: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Buenaventura Dental Assistant Pay Compares
San Buenaventura median: $53,448/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Buenaventura Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $52,919 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +7.80% more |
Dental Assistants in San Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $53,448 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.80% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.00% above the California state average of $52,919.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Buenaventura has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Buenaventura, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $53,448 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,257 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,208
2025 BLS Actual
$51,821
2026 Current Est.
$53,448
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,208 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,393 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,677 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,317 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,172 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,682 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,821 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,448 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,126 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Buenaventura metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $43,208 (2019) to $51,821 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,126 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,918 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Buenaventura 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) | $42,544 – $50,149 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,149 – $53,448 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,448 – $66,333 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,333 – $72,052 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in San Buenaventura
The local job market consists of 19 dental assistants, indicating a steady demand for skilled professionals in the region. However, the cost of living index at 113.1 suggests that take-home purchasing power may be impacted, so future dental assistants should be mindful of their overall compensation packages. General dental practices typically offer base salaries that hover around the lower end of the pay spectrum, while practices specializing in pediatrics or orthodontics can afford to pay more. The disparity in compensation often results from the type of services rendered, with expanded function dental assistants (EFDA) and those in hybrid roles, like treatment coordinators, usually commanding higher pay. Furthermore, those looking to maximize their earning potential should consider obtaining EFDA credentials and pursuing employment within dental support organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland or Aspen, which have standardized pay scales and may offer additional benefits for lead or mentoring roles.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in San Buenaventura, CA in 2026?
Is San Buenaventura, CA a good place to work as a dental assistant?
Can dental assistants make $100K in San Buenaventura?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental assistant salary in San Buenaventura?
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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 $51,821 for dental assistantsin the San Buenaventura 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 San Buenaventura 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