Dental Assistant programs in Altoona, Pennsylvania can help you prepare for a skilled career path. Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised hands-on learning to help you build practical skills before entering the workforce.
Dental assistant Schools Near Altoona, Pennsylvania
#1
Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center
📍
Altoona, PA
•0.2 miles away
Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center is a Public, <2-year in Altoona, PA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology
📍
Pleasant Gap, PA
•43.1 miles away
Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology is a Public, 2-year in Pleasant Gap, PA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is a Public, 4-year in Pittsburgh, PA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
Institute of Medical Careers is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Pittsburgh, PA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
Pennsylvania College of Technology is a Public, 4-year in Williamsport, PA serving about 4,254 students and accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across PA.
Entry-level dental assistants in Pennsylvania earn around
$36,670 per year.
The median salary is $48,290, which is 2.1% above the national median of $47,300.
Top earners make up to $61,580 per year.
Pennsylvania vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
Metric
Pennsylvania
National
Median salary
$48,290
$47,300
Average salary
$49,760
$48,860
25th percentile
$40,340
$39,520
75th percentile
$57,400
$56,910
90th percentile
$61,580
$61,780
Pennsylvania employs approximately 12,410 dental assistants (2.1 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.85).
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow
6.4% from 2024 to 2034,
faster than the average for all occupations.
This represents a change from 381,900 to
406,300 jobs nationwide.
About 52,900 openings are projected each year
on average over the decade, driven by workers transferring to other occupations, retiring,
or leaving the labor force.
In Pennsylvania, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 0.85), which suggests typical demand for this trade in the state.
How much do dental assistants make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for dental assistants in Pennsylvania is $48,290. Wages range from $36,670 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $61,580 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
How many dental assistant schools are near Altoona?
There are 116 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Altoona. The closest is Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center, approximately 0.2 miles away. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to prepare graduates for entry-level positions.
What is the job outlook for dental assistants?
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034. About 52,900 job openings are projected each year on average, including positions from growth and replacement needs.
What does dental assistant training cost near Altoona?
Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Altoona ranges from $4,205 to $33,344. Costs vary based on program length, institution type, and whether the school is public or private. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs.
Is a dental assistant in demand in Pennsylvania?
Demand for dental assistants in Pennsylvania is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.85. The state employs 2.1 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.
