Senior Dental Assistant Salary in Clearfield, UT: $46,414 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of dental assistants working in Clearfield, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $46,414/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9091. Strip back Clearfield's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $47,313 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clearfield, Utah, the potential for experienced dental assistants to reach top-tier salaries is robust, with 2026 estimates indicating that the top earners can make up to $46,414 annually. This figure reflects a significant potential gap compared to the median salary of $36,039 for all dental assistants, showcasing the rewards that come with advanced experience, specialization, and skills. Achieving this level of pay requires not only a minimum of seven years in the field but may also necessitate continued education, certification in expanded functions, or specialization in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery. As a result, those aiming for the top dental assistant salary in Clearfield must strategically hone their skills and seek out positions with competitive compensation packages.
About the Clearfield Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clearfield
Experienced dental assistants at the top of the pay scale in Clearfield earn between $43,747 and $46,414 per year (2026 est.). This $17,001 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Clearfield median of $36,039 sits 27.31% below the US median.
Top DA, CDA Salary Comparison
| Level | Clearfield | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $36,039 | $49,579 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,747 | $59,914 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $46,414 | $64,205 |
In Clearfield, experienced dental assistants (P90) earn 28.79% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Dental Assistant Pay in Clearfield
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT dental assistants with additional specialty certifications within the dental assisting field earn significantly above the $36,039 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Clearfield employers.
Specialty Focus
Dental Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the dental assisting field in Clearfield command premium compensation, often reaching the $43,747–$46,414 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Clearfield 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 Clearfield 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 Utah 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 Clearfield
Clinical Dental Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Dental Assistant
5-10 yearsDental Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedClearfield ranks #22 of 41 Utah cities for top earner dental assistant salary (90th percentile: $46,414).
Top 10% dental assistant compensation in Clearfield ($46,414) is 4.51% below the Utah average P90 ($48,608).
2019 BLS Actual
$41,155
2025 BLS Actual
$45,001
2026 Current Est.
$46,414
2019–2027 Growth
+16.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Clearfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,155 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,211 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,042 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,796 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,141 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,546 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,001 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,414 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,871 | Projected |
Top-earning dental assistants (90th percentile) in Clearfield saw their compensation grow 9.3% from $41,155 in 2019 to $45,001 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 $47,871 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearfield 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 Clearfield
Various factors influence senior dental assistant pay in UT, and compensation can vary significantly based on the employer type. For instance, experienced professionals in advanced roles such as treatment coordinators or expanded function dental assistants often command higher salaries, especially in settings like orthodontic practices or oral surgery clinics, which typically pay more than general dental practices. Meanwhile, competency-related enhancements like radiology certification or an EFDA credential can elevate earning potential. Leadership roles also present lucrative opportunities, enabling experienced dental assistants to transition into positions such as office manager or clinical coordinator. Moreover, with the consolidation of dental services organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen, standardized pay scales now apply, offering clear paths for advancement along with competitive stipends for mentorship roles within the expanded function authority framework in Utah.
More salary data for Clearfield, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced dental assistants make in Clearfield in 2026?
What drives higher dental assistant pay in Clearfield?
What certifications boost dental assistant salary in Clearfield?
Can experienced dental assistants make six figures in Clearfield?
How much does dental assistant salary increase over time in Clearfield?
Related Pages
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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 $45,001 for dental assistants in the Clearfield 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 Clearfield 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