Who gets paid more, CNA or dental assistant?
You are ready to choose a healthcare career that is interactive, meaningful, and in demand—but you wonder: Who gets paid more, CNA or dental assistant?
It is a smart question to ask. You want to love what you do, but you also want a paycheck that reflects your hard work. In this blog, we will clarify what these jobs offer and analyze which career offers more earning power, flexibility, and long-term potential.
CNA vs. Dental Assistant Average Pay
Across California, dental assistants generally earn less than CNAs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants earn an average of $52,470 per year while CNAs are paid an average of $47,070 per year.
That is a difference of more than $3,500 each year, and the salary potential can grow depending on your location, skillset, and experience level.
Why Is There a Pay Gap?
Dental assistants have a unique role that blends clinical and administrative tasks. You will assist with X-rays, sterilize instruments, support procedures, and help with scheduling and patient charts. Your diversity of responsibilities as an assistant makes you a valuable part of the dental team and is reflected in your salary potential.
CNAs provide direct patient care, such as bathing, feeding, and dressing patients, often in nursing homes or hospitals. The work is essential and rewarding, but it is also physically demanding and without additional college education, has a lower potential for career growth.
Training Time
Most CNA programs run for 4 to 12 weeks, though some may extend to six months. You can become a dental assistant in 10 to 12 weeks. At Kingsburg School of Dental Assisting, you will gain practical experience and skills and the confidence to start your first job.
A Better Work Environment
Dental assistants often work in modern, clean offices with steady daytime hours and no late-night shifts or weekend rotations. CNAs frequently work in 24-hour care facilities, which can involve night shifts, weekends, and long hours.
If a work-life balance is more important to you than salary, the dental office is the better career option for you than the CNA.
Contact Us To Learn About the Pay Differences between CNAs & Dental Assistants
At Kingsburg School of Dental Assisting, you do not just receive training. We prepare you for success. Our small class sizes, experienced instructors, and supportive environment help prepare you for a brighter, better-paying future.
Now that you know the answer to, “Who gets paid more, CNA or dental assistant?” you can begin your journey. Contact us today to enroll, and advance toward a career you will love and a paycheck you will be proud of.
