Dental Assistant Salary in West Des Moines, IA: $50,924 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in West Des Moines, IA earns a median $50,924/year (≈ $24.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in West Des Moines's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $56,332 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a 2026 median annual salary of $50,924, dental assistant salaries in West Des Moines, IA, showcase a competitive edge compared to the national average of $49,579. This salary reflects a pay scale that can range from $40,505 at the lower end (10th percentile) up to $65,861 for those at the top (90th percentile). Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, reveal how the job market is influenced by regional cost adjustments and the growing presence of dental service organizations (DSOs). The pay structure varies significantly, with DSOs typically offering standardized wages across their locations, while solo and group practices may provide more flexibility in terms of pay based on experience and roles that encompass various responsibilities.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,505 | $19.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,354 | $22.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,924 | $24.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,870 | $29.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,861 | $31.66 |
Median Salary Position
2.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Des Moines
In West Des Moines, IA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,356 (2026 est.). At $50,924, the local median is 2.71% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Des Moines Dental Assistant Pay Compares
West Des Moines median: $50,924/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $49,975 | +1.90% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +2.71% more |
Dental Assistants in West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $50,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.71% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.90% above the Iowa state average of $49,975.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Des Moines 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.
West Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $50,924 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,332 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,167
2025 BLS Actual
$49,374
2026 Current Est.
$50,924
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,167 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,297 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,709 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,036 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,802 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,869 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,374 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,924 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,523 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Des Moines metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $41,167 (2019) to $49,374 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,523 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,356 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Des Moines 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) | $40,505 – $46,354 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,354 – $50,924 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,924 – $61,870 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,870 – $65,861 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in West Des Moines
In West Des Moines, 16 dental assistants are employed, working in a market where the cost-of-living index stands at 90.4, reflecting a lower expense than the national average. This means that dental assistant pay in West Des Moines can stretch further in terms of purchasing power. Notably, positions in specialty offices, such as oral surgery and orthodontics, tend to offer higher salaries than general practices. Employers like Heartland Dental and Aspen Dental lead the pay scale, often compensating for expanded functions or hybrid roles. The disparity in income can be driven by several factors, including specialized training, state regulations on expanded function dental assistants (EFDA), and the roles of treatment coordinators. For those looking to maximize their dental assistant salary in West Des Moines, pursuing certifications through organizations such as DANB and ADAA, and staying abreast of the evolving DSO landscape may enhance career growth and compensation opportunities.
More salary data for West Des Moines, 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 $49,374 for dental assistantsin the West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines 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