Dental Assistant Salary in Lima, OH: $47,001 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Lima, OH earns a median $47,001/year (≈ $22.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Lima's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.7), that paycheck buys what $52,416 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lima, OH, dental assistants can anticipate a median annual salary of $47,001 in 2026, showcasing the influence of expanded function dental auxiliary (EFDA) regulations in the state. These rules often push compensation higher than the national average by allowing dental assistants to perform a broader range of tasks. The salary range for this role in the city is quite varied, spanning from $36,790 at the tenth percentile to $77,737 at the ninetieth percentile, highlighting significant differences in pay based on skills, experience, and specific job functions. Data for these figures is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, which provide insight into local job markets and wage trends in the dental field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,790 | $17.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,750 | $18.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,001 | $22.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,830 | $26.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,737 | $37.38 |
Median Salary Position
5.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lima
In Lima, OH, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,947 (2026 est.). At $47,001, the local median is 5.2% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lima: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lima Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Lima median: $47,001/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lima Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $47,862 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -5.20% less |
Dental Assistants in Lima, OH earn a median of $47,001 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.20% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.80% below the Ohio state average of $47,862.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lima has a cost of living 10.33% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lima, OH has a cost-of-living index of 89.669 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $47,001 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,416 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,100
2025 BLS Actual
$45,570
2026 Current Est.
$47,001
2019–2027 Growth
+38.1%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lima (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,001 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,477 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lima metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 29.8% from $35,100 (2019) to $45,570 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,477 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,377 (38.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lima 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) | $36,790 – $38,750 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,750 – $47,001 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,001 – $55,830 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,830 – $77,737 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Lima
Analyzing the job landscape in Lima, around 90 dental assistants are currently employed, reflecting a stable market for this profession. With a cost-of-living index of 89.669, the local economy presents a favorable environment for potential dental assistants, as this index indicates below-average living expenses compared to the national average. Among local employers, certain specialties—such as orthodontic and oral surgery practices—tend to offer higher salaries. The variation in pay often stems from factors like the type of practice, the presence of EFDA credentials, and additional roles such as treatment coordinators or mentoring positions. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in the Lima dental assistant pay scale, obtaining EFDA certification, pursuing specialization, and exploring positions within DSO chains can lead to enhanced opportunities and better compensation.
More salary data for Lima, 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 $45,570 for dental assistantsin the Lima 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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