Dental Assistant Salary in Wilmington, DE: $52,000 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Wilmington, DE earns a median $52,000/year (≈ $25.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Wilmington's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $51,131 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilmington, Delaware, dental assistants can expect a competitive median salary of $52,000 in 2026, which notably exceeds the national median of $49,579. The salary range for this role spans from $39,697 for the lowest 10% to $65,172 for the top 90%. These figures reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. In this evolving job market, dental service organizations (DSOs) are becoming significant employers, often providing structured pay scales that can be advantageous for job stability and growth. However, solo practices in Wilmington offer greater flexibility, which can appeal to those seeking a tailored work experience and a unique relationship with the community.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,697 | $19.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,224 | $22.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,928 | $29.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,172 | $31.33 |
Median Salary Position
4.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
In Wilmington, DE, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,475 (2026 est.). At $52,000, the local median is 4.88% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wilmington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wilmington Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Wilmington median: $52,000/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilmington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $50,437 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +4.88% more |
Dental Assistants in Wilmington, DE earn a median of $52,000 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.88% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.10% above the Delaware state average of $50,437.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilmington has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wilmington, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,000 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,131 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,037
2025 BLS Actual
$50,417
2026 Current Est.
$52,000
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,037 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,191 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,548 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,812 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,057 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,417 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,000 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,633 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilmington metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $42,037 (2019) to $50,417 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,633 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,596 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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) | $39,697 – $47,224 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,224 – $52,000 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,000 – $61,928 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,928 – $65,172 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Wilmington
The local job market shows a modest employment figure of 10 dental assistants, indicating a niche yet stable demand for this position in Wilmington. With a cost-of-living index of 101.7, take-home pay may stretch a bit further compared to areas with lower living costs, but it's still essential to keep an eye on expenses. Notably, high-paying employers include DSO chains like Heartland and Pacific Dental, alongside specialized practices in periodontics and orthodontics, which often pay more due to the advanced skills required. Factors such as expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) certification can significantly increase earning potential, as credentialed DAs in Delaware tend to earn 25-40% more. For those in Wilmington looking to maximize earnings, seeking opportunities in specialized fields or pursuing dual roles, such as treatment coordinators, can prove beneficial in enhancing job satisfaction and income.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
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 $50,417 for dental assistantsin the Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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