As with all fields, different areas of work within the same industry can bring better job opportunities, advancement, and income potential. For example, surgeons are known to earn more money and have more leverage within the medical world than general practitioners. They’re both doctors but they work in different industries.

Dental assistants face the same concerns. Different industries within the dental field promise better salaries and career potential than others. When considering a career as a dental assistant, you may want to understand which industries best suit your talents, abilities, and goals.

For example, dental assistants working at junior colleges will earn the most, with an annual average income of $41,720. Of the top five highest paying industries, those working in scientific services will earn the least, at $34,810. Specialty hospitals offer annual salaries averaging $36,810, the federal executive branch offers $36,170, and employment services promise $35,020.

This chart displays annual mean salaries for Dental Assistants in the U.S. The data was collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics OES - May 2008.

When the time come to choose the next step in your career as a dental assistant, take the time to research the different industries in which you can work. This is a great way to take control of your salary in an industry of varying incomes.

However, it’s also important to choose an industry that suits your personality and interest. Your work environment can play a huge role in whether you are happy and content in your job. And when you spend your days doing something, it’s best to get paid to do what you love.

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Related Charts for Dental Assistant Salaries:

Dental Assisting Pay Scale - All Industries

Dental Assisting Salaries - Top Paying Metropolitan Areas

Dental Assisting Salary Ranges - Top Paying States

The bar graph above shows the industries with the highest Dental Assisting salaries. The data is shown below in table format:

Industry	Annual Mean Wage
Junior Colleges	41,720
Specialty Hospitals	36,810
Federal Executive Branch	36,170
Employment Services	35,020
Scientific Services	34,810