Dental Assistant Salary in Muscatine, IA: $46,671 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Muscatine, IA earns a median $46,671/year (≈ $22.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Muscatine's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $51,627 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, Iowa, the increasing demand for dental assistants drives a competitive salary landscape, with a projected median annual salary of $46,671 in 2026. This figure is just below the national median of $49,579, reflecting the area's specific economic conditions, including adjusted cost of living calculations. The salary range for dental assistants in the region spans from $39,955 at the 10th percentile to $57,307 at the 90th percentile, indicating varied compensation based on experience and specific roles. One notable factor influencing local pay scales is Iowa's expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) regulations, which allow those with additional credentials to access higher earning potential compared to general dental assistant rates. Overall, the local job market is ripe for dental professionals, particularly as practices look to meet evolving patient care needs.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,955 | $19.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,245 | $21.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,671 | $22.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,291 | $26.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,307 | $27.55 |
Median Salary Position
5.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muscatine
In Muscatine, IA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,352 (2026 est.). At $46,671, the local median is 5.87% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muscatine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muscatine Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Muscatine median: $46,671/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muscatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $49,969 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -5.87% less |
Dental Assistants in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $46,671 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.87% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $49,969.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muscatine 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.
Muscatine, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $46,671 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,627 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,729
2025 BLS Actual
$45,250
2026 Current Est.
$46,671
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,729 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,764 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,392 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,191 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,149 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,671 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,136 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muscatine metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $37,729 (2019) to $45,250 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,136 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,407 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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) | $39,955 – $45,245 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,245 – $46,671 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,671 – $55,291 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,291 – $57,307 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Muscatine
In terms of job availability, Muscatine hosts five dental assistants, reflecting both a niche job sector and the potential for stable employment growth, projected at an annual rate of 3.14%. While the cost-of-living index stands at 90.4, which is below the national average, this can enhance the effective purchasing power for dental assistants. Employers ranging from general practices to specialty offices play a significant role in determining pay rates, with periodontal and oral surgery practices typically offering higher salaries. The variance in compensation often stems from specialty roles, the implications of EFDA certification, and opportunities within DSO chains, such as Heartland and Aspen, which standardize pay scales across locations. For those in Muscatine looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing EFDA credentials or considering hybrid roles, such as a treatment coordinator, can enhance their marketability and potential salary within this growing industry.
More salary data for Muscatine, 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 $45,250 for dental assistantsin the Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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