Dental Assistant Salary in Burlington, IA: $47,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Burlington, IA earns a median $47,982/year (≈ $23.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Burlington's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $53,077 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, IA, the projected median annual salary for dental assistants reaches $47,982 in 2026, reflecting both the region's demand for skilled personnel and the expanded function authority afforded to dental assistants in Iowa. This state law allows dental assistants with an EFDA certification to perform additional procedures, thus enhancing their marketability and justifying higher wages than typical rates for dental assistants nationally. Salary ranges for this profession in Burlington span from $39,117 at the lower end (P10) to $58,686 at the upper decile (P90). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living, providing insights into the local job market that supports a competitive wage for dental assistants.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,117 | $18.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,205 | $21.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,982 | $23.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,594 | $27.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,686 | $28.22 |
Median Salary Position
3.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
In Burlington, IA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,569 (2026 est.). At $47,982, the local median is 3.22% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burlington Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Burlington median: $47,982/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $49,981 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -3.22% less |
Dental Assistants in Burlington, IA earn a median of $47,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.22% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $49,981.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burlington has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burlington, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $47,982 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,077 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,788
2025 BLS Actual
$46,521
2026 Current Est.
$47,982
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,788 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,853 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,414 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,376 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,193 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,521 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,488 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burlington metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,788 (2019) to $46,521 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,488 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,700 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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) | $39,117 – $45,205 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,205 – $47,982 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,982 – $56,594 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,594 – $58,686 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Burlington
The job market for dental assistants in Burlington shows a relatively small workforce with only four professionals currently employed in the area. With a cost of living index of 90.4, the purchasing power for these salaries is notably favorable compared to the national average, closely aligning with local economic realities. To maximize compensation, dental assistants should seek opportunities within specialty practices such as oral surgery or orthodontics, known for offering higher pay than general practices. Additionally, the rise of dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen has introduced standardized pay scales, often with better benefits. Dental assistants can also enhance their earnings through roles that combine clinical duties with treatment coordination or by taking onleadership positions. The impact of credentials like EFDA cannot be overstated; those who obtain this designation typically see significant increases in their earning potential. Understanding these market dynamics can empower dental assistants to make informed career choices in Burlington, thus leveraging their skills and qualifications effectively.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
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 $46,521 for dental assistantsin the Burlington 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 Burlington 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