Dental Assistant Salary in DeLand, FL: $46,430 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in DeLand, FL earns a median $46,430/year (≈ $22.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in DeLand's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $46,062 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the realm of dental assistant pay in DeLand, Florida, the integration of EFDA expanded function rules significantly enhances earning potential. In 2026, professionals in this area can expect a median annual salary of $46,430, with a salary range between $38,837 and $59,493. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences. Compared to the national median of $49,579, the dental assistant salary in DeLand reflects a slight decrease of about 6.35%. As local dental practices become increasingly specialized and seek workers with expanded training, the job market is expected to evolve, providing opportunities for those with the right credentials and skills.
About the DeLand Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,837 | $18.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,653 | $21.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,430 | $22.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,175 | $27.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,493 | $28.60 |
Median Salary Position
6.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeLand
In DeLand, FL, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,656 (2026 est.). At $46,430, the local median is 6.35% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in DeLand: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeLand Dental Assistant Pay Compares
DeLand median: $46,430/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeLand Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $47,865 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -6.35% less |
Dental Assistants in DeLand, FL earn a median of $46,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.35% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.00% below the Florida state average of $47,865.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeLand has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
DeLand, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,430 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,062 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,534
2025 BLS Actual
$45,016
2026 Current Est.
$46,430
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in DeLand (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,534 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,564 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,204 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,972 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,583 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,051 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,016 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,430 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,887 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeLand metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $37,534 (2019) to $45,016 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,887 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,353 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeLand 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) | $38,837 – $44,653 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,653 – $46,430 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,430 – $56,175 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,175 – $59,493 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in DeLand
The job market for dental assistants in DeLand demonstrates a balanced yet competitive environment, with only 7 professionals currently employed in the field. The cost of living index stands at 100.8, indicating a slightly above-average cost of living that could affect purchasing power. Employers within the area that tend to offer higher pay include specialty offices such as orthodontics and oral surgery practices, which typically pay more than general dentistry settings. Factors contributing to the variability in wages include specialization, the presence of EFDA roles, and scaling salaries within DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen Dental. To maximize earnings, aspiring dental assistants in DeLand might consider pursuing EFDA certification or seeking roles that incorporate treatment coordination responsibilities. This dual approach can provide both a higher salary and additional career opportunities in a diverse and changing job market.
More salary data for DeLand, FL:
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 $45,016 for dental assistantsin the DeLand 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 DeLand 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