Dental Assistant Salary in Oneonta, NY: $46,142 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Oneonta, NY earns a median $46,142/year (≈ $22.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Oneonta's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $39,812 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oneonta, NY, dental assistants can expect to earn a median annual salary of $46,142, reflecting a competitive compensation structure influenced by the hiring practices of both solo practices and larger DSO chains. The salary range varies significantly, with lower salaries starting at $39,288 and skilled positions reaching up to $56,699. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors that provide a clearer picture of local earnings. The dynamics of the job market in Oneonta reveal that as DSO chains continue to expand, they often enforce standardized pay scales, which may limit flexibility compared to independent practices that can offer more variable compensation depending on experience and skills.
About the Oneonta Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,288 | $18.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,686 | $21.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,142 | $22.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,587 | $26.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,699 | $27.26 |
Median Salary Position
6.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oneonta
In Oneonta, NY, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,411 (2026 est.). At $46,142, the local median is 6.93% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oneonta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oneonta Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Oneonta median: $46,142/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oneonta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $49,455 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -6.93% less |
Dental Assistants in Oneonta, NY earn a median of $46,142 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.93% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.70% below the New York state average of $49,455.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oneonta has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oneonta, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,142 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $39,812 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,301
2025 BLS Actual
$44,737
2026 Current Est.
$46,142
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Oneonta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,301 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,325 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,979 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,712 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,313 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,752 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,737 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,142 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,591 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oneonta metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $37,301 (2019) to $44,737 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,591 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,290 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oneonta 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) | $39,288 – $44,686 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,686 – $46,142 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,142 – $54,587 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,587 – $56,699 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Oneonta
The job market for dental assistants in Oneonta remains relatively stable, with a total of five professionals currently employed in this field. However, the cost of living index stands at 115.9, which indicates that living expenses are higher than the national average and can impact overall purchasing power. Among local employers, DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen typically offer the most competitive salaries, while specialized practices, such as orthodontics or oral surgery, can command higher pay due to their specialized services. Factors contributing to the pay discrepancy include the nature of the dental services provided and whether the dental assistant holds an EFDA credential. By pursuing additional certifications, seeking roles in specialty practices, or transitioning into treatment coordinator positions, dental assistants in Oneonta can effectively improve their earning potential in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Oneonta, NY:
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 $44,737 for dental assistantsin the Oneonta 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 Oneonta 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