Dental Assistants, San Jose

$74,600

Local median annual wage in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA. Middle half of earners roughly $60,150 to $76,710.

Local salary guide, May 2025, as of May 15, 2026. Cost of living index (2024). Sources stay in methodology · disclaimer.

vs US median
+55.2%
US median
$48,070
Cost of living (110.4) Based on U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data. Scores over 100 mean a city is more expensive than the U.S. national average.
110.4
Local pay range The middle 50% of earners in this city make between these amounts, based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys.
$60,150 to $76,710
Local jobs in field Approximate number of people working in this role locally, not a count of open positions.
2,870
Job code
31-9091

Dental Assistants in San Jose pay a median $74,600 (May 2025), 55.2% above the US median of $48,070. At local prices (index 110.4), that median buys about what $67,572 buys at US-average prices.

What that pay buys

$74,600 in San Jose buys about what $67,572 buys at US-average prices (cost of living index 110.4, 2024). Housing & rent index is 211.9 vs overall 110.4 (US average = 100, 2024).

Dental Assistants in nearby metros

Metro Median Local pay range Cost of living
San Jose $74,600 $60,150 to $76,710 110.4
Urban Honolulu $42,750 $37,580 to $48,050 111
San Francisco $64,390 $58,760 to $73,010 115.6
Tulsa $46,510 $37,630 to $48,160 89.2

Local salary guide May 2025 where published for the metro.

FAQ

What is the median salary for Dental Assistants in San Jose?
The median annual wage for Dental Assistants in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $74,600 (May 2025 local salary guide).
How does San Jose pay compare to the US median for Dental Assistants?
Local median pay is 55.2% above the national median of $48,070.
How does cost of living change what that wage buys?
The cost of living index for San Jose is 110.4 (US average = 100, 2024). The local median of $74,600 has about the same buying power as $67,572 at US-average prices.
How current is this data?
Wages use the local salary guide for May 2025. Price levels use the 2024 cost of living index. See methodology for source details.

What this covers

Includes

  • Cost of living index for everyday expenses (housing, groceries & goods, services)
  • Local salary guide: median pay, typical pay range, and jobs in the field where published
  • Target salary math so you keep the same standard of living after a move
  • Approximate single-filer state income tax take-home on compare pages (see rate sources on the page)

Does not include

  • Local city taxes, credits, filing-status variants, or tax advice
  • Childcare, healthcare premiums, or leave benefits
  • Job openings. “Local jobs in field” is how many people work in the role, not hiring demand

Technical source names (RPP, OEWS) and formulas live on the methodology page.

Local pay figures and cost of living indexes come from official government surveys. See methodology and disclaimer.