Senior Dental Assistant Salary in Burlington, IA: $58,686 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of dental assistants working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $58,686/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9091. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $64,918 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, the potential for top earners in the dental assisting field is substantial, with senior dental assistants projecting a pay range of $56,594 at the 75th percentile to an impressive $58,686 at the 90th percentile in 2026. This indicates a significant experience premium, as the median annual salary sits at $47,982, demonstrating a solid gap between the average compensation and the salaries accessible to those with extensive expertise—typically over seven years. Achieving this top-tier pay in the Burlington area often requires a combination of advanced certifications, specialized training, and strategic career moves, positioning experienced professionals favorably within a competitive job market.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced dental assistants at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $56,594 and $58,686 per year (2026 est.). This $19,569 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $47,982 sits 3.22% below the US median.
Top DA, CDA Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $47,982 | $49,579 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,594 | $59,914 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $58,686 | $64,205 |
In Burlington, experienced dental assistants (P90) earn 22.31% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Dental Assistant Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA dental assistants with additional specialty certifications within the dental assisting field earn significantly above the $47,982 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Dental Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the dental assisting field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $56,594–$58,686 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced dental assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured dental assistants in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Dental Assistants in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Dental Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Dental Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Dental Assistant
5-10 yearsDental Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #19 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner dental assistant salary (90th percentile: $58,686).
Top 10% dental assistant compensation in Burlington ($58,686) is 4.56% below the Iowa average P90 ($61,489).
2019 BLS Actual
$52,036
2025 BLS Actual
$56,899
2026 Current Est.
$58,686
2019–2027 Growth
+16.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,036 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,371 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,422 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,111 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,811 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,113 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,899 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,686 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,528 | Projected |
Top-earning dental assistants (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 9.3% from $52,036 in 2019 to $56,899 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.14% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $60,528 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Dental Assistant Earnings in Burlington
When it comes to high-value roles within Burlington’s dental community, certain specializations command a premium. Expanded function dental assistants (EFDA), orthodontic assistants, and oral surgery assistants frequently find themselves at the high end of the pay spectrum, with roles in pediatric dentistry and dental anesthesia also providing lucrative options. Compensation structures can vary widely based on whether dental assistants work in general practices such as solo offices or larger DSO chains, which often offer standardized pay scales; those employed within specialized practices like pediatric or periodontal offices may see differing compensation trends. For senior dental assistants looking to advance their careers, positions such as treatment coordinator or clinical coordinator, particularly within DSO chains, are realistic paths. Furthermore, acquiring credentials like the DANB CDA certification or expanded functions where allowed can enhance salary potential in Iowa, complemented by non-salary benefits observed in leadership roles that often include additional stipends and bonuses.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced dental assistants make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher dental assistant pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost dental assistant salary in Burlington?
Can experienced dental assistants make six figures in Burlington?
How much does dental assistant salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $56,899 for dental assistants in the Burlington metro area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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