Dental Assistant Salary in Chillicothe, OH: $45,078 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Chillicothe, OH earns a median $45,078/year (≈ $21.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Chillicothe's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $49,700 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chillicothe, Ohio, the anticipated median annual salary for dental assistants in 2026 is estimated to be $45,078. This figure reflects a local context that is slightly lower than the national median of $49,579, highlighting a regional salary adjustment based on cost of living. The salary range for dental assistants in the area can be quite broad, with entry-level positions starting around $35,227 and experienced professionals potentially earning as much as $56,144. Factors such as specialization in oral surgery or orthodontics can significantly influence earnings, justifying the appeal for dental assistants seeking advancement in that specialty. Overall, the job market for this role in Chillicothe remains stable, with opportunities for growth driven by demand in various dental practices.
About the Chillicothe Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,227 | $16.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,152 | $21.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,078 | $21.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,795 | $25.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,144 | $26.99 |
Median Salary Position
9.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chillicothe
In Chillicothe, OH, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,917 (2026 est.). At $45,078, the local median is 9.08% below the national median of $49,579.
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At 40 hours/week in Chillicothe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chillicothe Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Chillicothe median: $45,078/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chillicothe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $47,854 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -9.08% less |
Dental Assistants in Chillicothe, OH earn a median of $45,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.08% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.80% below the Ohio state average of $47,854.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chillicothe has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chillicothe, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $45,078 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,700 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,441
2025 BLS Actual
$43,706
2026 Current Est.
$45,078
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Chillicothe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,441 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,442 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,751 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,315 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,706 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,078 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,494 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chillicothe metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $36,441 (2019) to $43,706 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,494 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,053 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chillicothe 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) | $35,227 – $44,152 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,152 – $45,078 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,078 – $53,795 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,795 – $56,144 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Chillicothe
The local job market in Chillicothe supports a small but focused group of dental assistants, with only six professionals currently employed in this sector. Given the cost of living index of 90.7, which is below the national average, dental assistant pay in Chillicothe, OH, provides a fair quality of life for residents if expenses are managed wisely. In this market, general dental practices typically offer competitive wages, but specialty offices, particularly orthodontic and oral surgery practices, are often at the top of the pay scale. The variations in salary are driven primarily by the specialization level and additional credentials, such as the Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification. To maximize earnings, dental assistants in Chillicothe might consider pursuing such specialized training, seeking opportunities at larger dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen, or transitioning to roles that involve clinical coordination or mentorship. Exploring these pathways can substantially impact their overall earning potential in the competitive field of dental assisting.
More salary data for Chillicothe, OH:
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 $43,706 for dental assistantsin the Chillicothe 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 Chillicothe 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