Dentists vs Medical Assistants salary

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly pay for Dentists is $167,160, compared to the average annual salary of $38,190 for Medical Assistants. Therefore, Medical Assistants earn a significantly lower salary than Dentists.

However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. For example, Dentists who work in Delaware (with an average salary of $233,860) may earn more than those who work in Idaho ($124,750). And Medical Assistants in Washington earn 55% more on average than those in Louisiana.

Dentists vs Medical Assistants overview

Dentists and Medical Assistants are fundamental to the Health Care Services industry. People are often interested in learning about the differences between these occupations, as well as the average pay for each.

Dentist job description

Alternative names: Dentists, General

Dentists examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

Dentist education and experience

In order to become a Dentist, a person typically must obtain a Doctoral Degree. However this occupation also includes some employees who have a College Course Certificate (7%) and a Master's Degree (6%). Regarding experience, about a third of Dentist jobs require no previous experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (20%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.

Dentist average salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Dentists employed in the United States was 108,680, and they earned an average of $167,160 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $62,810 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $208,000 or more. The average salary has decreased by 7.6% compared the previous year.

Do Dentists make good money?

Dentists are usually paid well, as their average salary is almost two times higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they earn 138% more than the average wage of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Dentists are usually paid well, as their average salary is almost two times higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).

Dentists job growth

In 2021, there have been 12,760 more Dentist positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a rise of 13.3%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -0.7%.

Medical Assistant job description

Medical Assistants perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

Medical Assistant education and experience

Among Medical Assistants, 45% have obtained a Post-Secondary Certificate, 21% hold a High School Diploma, and 17% have a Bachelor's Degree. Regarding experience, 41% of Medical Assistant occupations require a 6 months to 1 year of previous experience working in the field. A smaller number of roles (20%) require no previous experience.

Medical Assistant average salary

Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 727,760 Medical Assistants were employed by the United States in 2021, and their average annual wage was $38,190. The lowest earning 10 percent made $29,070 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $48,170 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has grown by 3.4%.

Do Medical Assistants make good money?

Medical Assistants are not typically highly paid, since their mean salary is about a third below the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they make about a half less than the mean earnings of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Medical Assistants are not typically highly paid, since their mean salary is about a third below the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Medical Assistants job growth

In 2021, there have been 17,560 more Medical Assistant job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows an increase of 2.5%. Job growth has averaged 2.6% over the past 3 years.

FAQ

Do Dentists or Medical Assistants make more?

Dentists earn over three times more than Medical Assistants. Medical Assistants average around $38,190 per year, while Dentists make $167,160 per year.

How long does it take to become a Dentist vs Medical Assistant?

Becoming a Dentist typically requires a Doctoral Degree. It usually takes between 4 years and 6 years to complete a Doctoral Degree. However, if we consider that a Master's Degree is required beforehand, the full education may take around 13 years to complete. While on the other hand, becoming a Medical Assistant typically requires a Post-Secondary Certificate. It usually takes between 1 year and 2 years to complete a Post-Secondary Certificate.

Is it harder to become a Dentist vs Medical Assistant?

Becoming a Dentist is much more difficult than becoming a Medical Assistant, since it takes 11 more years of education.