Dental Assistant Salary in Youngstown, OH: $45,175 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Youngstown, OH earns a median $45,175/year (≈ $21.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Youngstown's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 87.4), that paycheck buys what $51,691 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.6% below the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Youngstown, Ohio, can expect a median annual salary of $45,175, which reflects a competitive position in the local market despite being lower than the national average of $49,579. Salaries vary significantly within the profession, with the lower 10th percentile earning about $38,471 and top earners making as much as $60,378. This robust salary range can be attributed to Ohio's EFDA expanded function rules, which allow dental assistants with enhanced skills to command higher rates in the job market. The insights drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected for 2026, highlight the nuanced pay structure and signal a positive outlook on job stability for the approximately 340 dental assistants working in the area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,471 | $18.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,825 | $21.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,175 | $21.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,165 | $22.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,378 | $29.02 |
Median Salary Position
8.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Youngstown
In Youngstown, OH, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,907 (2026 est.). At $45,175, the local median is 8.88% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Youngstown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Youngstown Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Youngstown median: $45,175/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Youngstown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $47,855 | -5.60% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -8.88% less |
Dental Assistants in Youngstown, OH earn a median of $45,175 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.88% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.60% below the Ohio state average of $47,855.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Youngstown has a cost of living 12.61% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Youngstown, OH has a cost-of-living index of 87.394 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $45,175 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,691 in an average-cost city — an effective 14.42% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,550
2025 BLS Actual
$43,800
2026 Current Est.
$45,175
2019–2027 Growth
+31.1%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Youngstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,550 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,175 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,594 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Youngstown metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 23.2% from $35,550 (2019) to $43,800 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,594 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,044 (31.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Youngstown 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) | $38,471 – $44,825 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,825 – $45,175 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,175 – $46,165 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,165 – $60,378 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Youngstown
The employment context for dental assistants in Youngstown also reflects a favorable local job market. With a cost of living index of 87.394, the region is below the national average, which improves the overall purchasing power of dental assistants' salaries. Higher-end positions can often be found in specialized practices like orthodontics or oral surgery, which tend to offer more competitive pay compared to general dental practices. Factors contributing to the disparity in salaries include the level of specialization, EFDA certifications, and roles that combine duties, such as treatment coordinating. To maximize earning potential, dental assistants should consider pursuing EFDA credentials if allowed, exploring opportunities in larger dental service organizations, and seeking positions that offer mentorship or leadership stipends. Understanding these variables provides a strategic advantage in negotiating better compensation packages in Youngstown, OH.
More salary data for Youngstown, 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 $43,800 for dental assistantsin the Youngstown 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