Dental Assistant Salary in Plattsburgh, NY: $45,666 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Plattsburgh, NY earns a median $45,666/year (≈ $21.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Plattsburgh's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $39,401 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for dental assistants in Plattsburgh, New York, is projected to reach $45,666, which reflects slightly below the national median of $49,579. The local salary range extends from $38,287 at the 10th percentile to $55,539 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a diverse market for these professionals. Compensation figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and local cost adjustments that consider regional economic factors. Those working in specialized fields, particularly oral surgery and orthodontics, may see premium salaries, which can significantly enhance earning potential within this small, but stable, job market.
About the Plattsburgh Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,287 | $18.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,648 | $20.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,666 | $21.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,450 | $26.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,539 | $26.70 |
Median Salary Position
7.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plattsburgh
In Plattsburgh, NY, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,252 (2026 est.). At $45,666, the local median is 7.89% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Plattsburgh: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Plattsburgh Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Plattsburgh median: $45,666/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plattsburgh Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $49,422 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -7.89% less |
Dental Assistants in Plattsburgh, NY earn a median of $45,666 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.89% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.60% below the New York state average of $49,422.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plattsburgh has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Plattsburgh, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $45,666 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $39,401 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,917
2025 BLS Actual
$44,276
2026 Current Est.
$45,666
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Plattsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,917 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,609 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,283 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,867 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,239 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,276 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,666 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,100 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plattsburgh metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $36,917 (2019) to $44,276 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,100 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,183 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plattsburgh 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) | $38,287 – $43,648 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,648 – $45,666 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,666 – $54,450 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,450 – $55,539 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Plattsburgh
The employment landscape for dental assistants in Plattsburgh features just four professionals currently in the field, emphasizing a tight labor pool in a region with a cost-of-living index of 115.9. This index indicates that living expenses are notably higher than the national average, which can affect take-home earnings. Employers in the area who typically offer the highest pay include those in periodontal and orthodontic practices, as well as larger DSO chains such as Heartland and Aspen. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to factors such as specialization, the potential for expanded functions with EFDA credentials, and hybrid roles like treatment coordinators. To maximize pay, aspiring dental assistants in Plattsburgh should consider pursuing certifications recognized by DANB, actively seek specialist roles, and inquire about mentoring or leadership positions that often come with added financial benefits.
More salary data for Plattsburgh, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dental assistants make $100K in Plattsburgh?
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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 $44,276 for dental assistantsin the Plattsburgh 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 Plattsburgh 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