Dental Assistant Salary in Simi Valley, CA: $54,676 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Simi Valley, CA earns a median $54,676/year (≈ $26.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Simi Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $48,343 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Simi Valley, California, can expect a median annual salary of $54,676, which surpasses the national median of $49,579 by a notable margin of 10.28%. The salary range reflects a wide disparity within the profession, with entry-level positions starting at $41,366 and top earners commanding up to $72,582 annually. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost considerations, indicating a competitive local market. For specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics, the potential for increased earnings adds to the allure of these roles in Simi Valley’s job market, enriching the overall employment landscape.
About the Simi Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,366 | $19.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,543 | $23.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,676 | $26.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,315 | $32.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,582 | $34.89 |
Median Salary Position
10.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Simi Valley
In Simi Valley, CA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,216 (2026 est.). At $54,676, the local median is 10.28% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Simi Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Simi Valley Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Simi Valley median: $54,676/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Simi Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $52,929 | +3.30% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +10.28% more |
Dental Assistants in Simi Valley, CA earn a median of $54,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.28% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.30% above the California state average of $52,929.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Simi Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Simi Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,676 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,343 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,200
2025 BLS Actual
$53,011
2026 Current Est.
$54,676
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Simi Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,413 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,634 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,427 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,324 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,099 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,011 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,676 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,392 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Simi Valley metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $44,200 (2019) to $53,011 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,392 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,192 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Simi Valley 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) | $41,366 – $49,543 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,543 – $54,676 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,676 – $67,315 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,315 – $72,582 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Simi Valley
Currently, there are 23 dental assistants employed in Simi Valley, indicating a selective job market where competition for positions can be intense. The cost of living index at 113.1 suggests the need for competitive compensation to maintain a comfortable standard of living. Dental practices that tend to offer higher pay include specialty offices such as orthodontic and oral surgery practices, with general practices following closely behind. Factors contributing to the variation in pay include specialized roles, such as those with expanded function authority (EFDA) credentials, which can earn significantly more, as well as hybrid positions like treatment coordinators within Dental Support Organizations (DSOs). To maximize earning potential, dental assistants can seek further education and credentials, looking to bridge into roles that emphasize expanded functions or supervisory responsibilities, particularly within the rapidly growing DSO landscape in Simi Valley, CA.
More salary data for Simi Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Simi Valley, CA in 2026?
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Can dental assistants make $100K in Simi Valley?
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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 $53,011 for dental assistantsin the Simi Valley 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 Simi Valley 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