Earnings

Median annual wages nationally of dental assistants were $33,470 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,680, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $47,090. Benefits vary substantially by practice setting and may be contingent upon full-time employment.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition (http://www.bls.gov/oco/)