How to Become A Dental Assistant in Alabama
Alabama employs approximately 3,740 dental assistants according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $39,080 1. Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 52,900 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a dental assistant in Alabama, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Dental Assistant in Alabama
How do I become a dental assistant in Alabama? Alabama requires credentials such as Licensed Dental Hygienist. The licensing authority is the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Typical requirements include approximately 19 years of experience 3.
Do I need a license in Alabama? Yes. Alabama has licensing or registration requirements for dental assistants. The Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do dental assistants earn in Alabama? The median annual wage for dental assistants in Alabama is $39,080 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $30,840 and experienced professionals can earn $51,400 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama
- Median wage (Alabama): $39,080 per year 1
Dental Assistant License Requirements in Alabama
The Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama oversees dental assistant licensing in Alabama 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Licensed Dental Hygienist | The individual must be at least 19 years of age. The individual must be a graduate of a school or college of dental hygiene approved by the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners, or the individual must be… |
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Dental Assistant Wages by Metro Area in Alabama
Dental Assistants Wages by Metro Area in Alabama
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), dental assistants wages in Alabama vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 1,120 | $42,050 | $44,310 | $31,600 | $60,880 |
| Huntsville | 390 | $43,930 | $43,980 | $36,140 | $53,400 |
| Mobile | 310 | $38,800 | $41,090 | $31,160 | $48,680 |
| Montgomery | 280 | $38,260 | $41,150 | $30,610 | $48,050 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley | 260 | $38,220 | $40,590 | $31,270 | $47,710 |
| Columbus | 260 | $42,050 | $42,710 | $29,900 | $55,730 |
| Tuscaloosa | 200 | $38,050 | $39,030 | $29,660 | $47,140 |
| Dothan | 140 | $36,820 | $38,870 | $31,330 | $45,650 |
| Auburn-Opelika | 130 | $38,550 | $41,140 | $31,540 | $48,130 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals | 120 | $37,170 | $39,460 | $31,160 | $47,040 |
| Decatur | 90 | $40,440 | $42,760 | $36,120 | $48,810 |
| Anniston-Oxford | 80 | $37,060 | $38,000 | $28,750 | $47,390 |
| Gadsden | 70 | $35,690 | $37,460 | $29,380 | $44,890 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Dental assistants in Alabama
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest dental assistant employment within Alabama according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 1,120 | $42,050 |
| Huntsville | 390 | $43,930 |
| Mobile | 310 | $38,800 |
| Montgomery | 280 | $38,260 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley | 260 | $38,220 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for dental assistants in Alabama? Alabama currently employs approximately 3,740 dental assistants 1. Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a dental assistant in Alabama with an out-of-state license? Contact the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Alabama? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Alabama.
How much do dental assistants earn in Alabama compared to the national average? The median annual wage for dental assistants in Alabama is $39,080, which is $8,220 below the national median of $47,300 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama - Licensing Information: https://www.dentalboard.org ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |