Dental Assistant Salary in Kettering, OH: $49,562 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Kettering, OH earns a median $49,562/year (≈ $23.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Kettering's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $54,644 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kettering, OH, the projected median annual dental assistant salary in 2026 is $49,562, which is slightly below the national median of $49,579. The salary range for this role spans from $39,174 at the 10th percentile to $65,978 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 and adjusted for local cost of living, highlight that dental assistants in Kettering benefit from Ohio's regulations around expanded function dental assistants (EFDAs). This expanded authority often drives pay rates higher than the general averages for dental assistants, catering to a specialized market in the area. With a relatively small workforce of 10 dental assistants employed locally, those pursuing this career can find unique opportunities that capitalize on their expanded skill sets.
About the Kettering Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,174 | $18.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,165 | $22.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,562 | $23.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,190 | $29.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,978 | $31.72 |
Median Salary Position
0.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kettering
In Kettering, OH, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,804 (2026 est.). At $49,562, the local median is 0.03% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kettering: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kettering Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Kettering median: $49,562/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kettering Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $47,886 | +3.50% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | -0.03% less |
Dental Assistants in Kettering, OH earn a median of $49,562 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.03% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.50% above the Ohio state average of $47,886.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kettering 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.
Kettering, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $49,562 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,644 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,066
2025 BLS Actual
$48,053
2026 Current Est.
$49,562
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Kettering (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,066 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,165 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,646 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,804 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,524 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,205 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,053 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,562 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,118 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kettering metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $40,066 (2019) to $48,053 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,118 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,052 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kettering 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) | $39,174 – $46,165 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,165 – $49,562 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,562 – $61,190 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,190 – $65,978 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Kettering
The local job market presents a mixed picture for dental assistants looking to maximize their earnings. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, residents of Kettering enjoy a slightly lower living expense, which can enhance take-home purchasing power in relation to salary. The highest-paying employers typically include specialty offices such as oral surgery and orthodontic practices, as well as larger dental support organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen, which often implement standardized pay scales across their operations. The disparity between low and high-paying positions can be significant; specialization in orthodontics or oral surgery can yield higher salaries compared to general practice. Furthermore, attaining EFDA credentials, or taking on hybrid roles such as treatment coordinator, can significantly improve income potential. For dental assistants aiming to increase their pay in Kettering, pursuing certifications and seeking employment in specialized or DSO environments remains strategic moves.
More salary data for Kettering, 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 $48,053 for dental assistantsin the Kettering 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 Kettering 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