Dental Assistant Salary in Orem, UT: $37,332 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Orem, UT earns a median $37,332/year (≈ $17.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Orem's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $38,055 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Orem, UT, dental assistants are projected to earn a median annual salary of $37,332 in 2026, which is noticeably below the national median of $49,579. The salary range for dental assistants in the area varies widely, extending from $29,836 at the entry level to as much as $49,918 for those at the upper echelons. These estimates consider the local cost of living adjustments derived from BLS state-level data. While this salary might not seem competitive on a national scale, the growing demand for specialized skills, particularly in orthodontics and oral surgery, may enhance opportunities for increased pay in Orem’s job market.
About the Orem Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,836 | $14.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,906 | $16.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,332 | $17.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,222 | $22.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,918 | $24.00 |
Median Salary Position
24.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Orem
In Orem, UT, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,082 (2026 est.). At $37,332, the local median is 24.7% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Orem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Orem Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Orem median: $37,332/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Orem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $37,747 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -24.70% less |
Dental Assistants in Orem, UT earn a median of $37,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.70% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.10% below the Utah state average of $37,747.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Orem has a cost of living 1.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Orem, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $37,332 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $38,055 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,179
2025 BLS Actual
$36,195
2026 Current Est.
$37,332
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Orem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,179 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,007 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,748 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,043 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,283 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,195 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,332 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,504 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Orem metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $30,179 (2019) to $36,195 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,504 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,325 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orem 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) | $29,836 – $34,906 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,906 – $37,332 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,332 – $46,222 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,222 – $49,918 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Orem
The local job market for dental assistants in Orem employs a modest 24 individuals, suggesting a tight-knit community with potential growth. With a cost-of-living index of 98.1, Orem offers a slightly more affordable living situation than the national average, which could positively impact take-home pay. Dental assistants seeking the highest compensation should consider roles in orthodontic or oral surgery practices, as these specialties tend to command better pay. Factors influencing salary variations include specialty training, such as Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) credentials where permitted, and the evolving pay scales of large Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen Dental. For those in Orem, pursuing additional certifications with DANB or looking into mentor roles may also be advantageous strategies for maximizing dental assistant pay.
More salary data for Orem, UT:
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 $36,195 for dental assistantsin the Orem 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
Salary data for Orem 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