Dental Assistants vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?
Dental Assistants out-earn Nursing Assistants by $6K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Dental Assistants land at $48,070 and Nursing Assistants at $42,260. The education gap is real: dental assistant programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while nursing assistant programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Dental Assistants is Minnesota ($65,270); for Nursing Assistants it's Oregon ($49,830).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Dental Assistants median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Dental Assistants or Nursing Assistants?
Dental Assistants earn more nationally. The median is $48,070 for Dental Assistants versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistants, a difference of $6K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Dental Assistants or Nursing Assistants?
Dental Assistants has the better 10-year outlook at 6.4% projected growth, compared to 2.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Dental Assistants or Nursing Assistants?
Dental Assistants typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Nursing Assistants requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Dental Assistants get paid the most?
Minnesota is the top-paying state for Dental Assistants at $65,270/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Dental Assistants vs. Nursing Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Minnesota, Dental Assistants earn $65,270 vs. $46,680 for Nursing Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.