U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Department of Health and Human Services / Dental Assistant

Job-title file

Dental Assistant

Diagnose and treat patients, direct clinical care, and supervise other medical staff.

384 employees hold this title in Department of Health and Human Services. Median total compensation for the role is $50,127, below the department median of $129,759.

Employees: 384
Total payroll: $19.1M
Role median: $50,127
Agency median: $129,759
Comparison: Below

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$34,803$66,702+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 384 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Dental Assistant pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Dental Assistants — about 387,790 people — is $48,070. Department of Health and Human Services pays a median base salary of $50,127 for this role, 4% above that figure — about the 55th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of Health and Human Services sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$37,130

$44,340

$48,070

$58,090

$62,250

Department of Health and Human Services median · $50,127

The bar is the range of annual wages for Dental Assistants across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Department of Health and Human Services’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Computed over the 383 of 384 people in this role paid at least $25,000in base salary. The rest are part-year or part-time records, whose actual pay isn’t comparable to a full-time annual wage.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of Health and Human Services is $50,127, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

Dental Assistant is held in 4 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Department of Health and Human Services, the median of $50,127 ranks #3 of 4.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Department of Homeland Security

$60,406 · 1

Department of Veterans Affairs

$57,191 · 1,922

Armed Forces Retirement Home

$49,025 · 1

Median total compensation for the Dental Assistant role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Compare jurisdictions

Dental Assistant beyond U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

This role is reported in 12 jurisdictions. In U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense), the median of $55,883 ranks #5 of 12. See Dental Assistant across all of U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) →

Highest-paying jurisdictions for this role

$97,088 · 41

$64,736 · 30

$64,500 · 11

$59,185 · 45

$51,118 · 43

$44,393 · 16

$43,798 · 24

$39,350 · 102

Median total compensation for comparable Dental Assistantroles in other jurisdictions. Titles are matched by normalized name across sources, not identical job classification, and pay is not cost-of-living adjusted. Each bar links to that jurisdiction’s page for the role.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Jacqueline Napoli

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$55,383

Sub-department: Administration for Strategic Preparednes
Base pay: $55,383
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $55,383
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Foxboro
Work county: Norfolk
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $55,383
Basic Pay (before locality): $41,966
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 250370021
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jacqueline Napoli works as a Dental Assistant for Department of Health and Human Services based in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Jacqueline earned $55,383 in 2024. Their pay grade is 07.

Camille Byers

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$55,383

Sub-department: Administration for Strategic Preparednes
Base pay: $55,383
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $55,383
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Tewksbury
Work county: Middlesex
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $55,383
Basic Pay (before locality): $41,966
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 251282017
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Camille Byers is a Dental Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. 2024 total compensation came to $55,383. They are classified at grade 07.

Janice Gilpin

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$55,383

Sub-department: Administration for Strategic Preparednes
Base pay: $55,383
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $55,383
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Maynard
Work county: Middlesex
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $55,383
Basic Pay (before locality): $41,966
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 250700017
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Janice Gilpin is a Dental Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Maynard, Massachusetts. 2024 total compensation came to $55,383. They are classified at grade 07.

Tina Mclaughlin

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$55,366

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $55,366
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $55,366
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Salem
Work county: Marion
Work state: Oregon

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $55,366
Basic Pay (before locality): $44,060
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 411810047
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Tina Mclaughlin works as a Dental Assistant for Department of Health and Human Services based in Salem, Oregon. Tina earned $55,366 in 2024. Their pay grade is 06.

Leightasha Davis

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$55,298

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $55,298
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $55,298
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Phoenix
Work county: Maricopa
Work state: Arizona

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $55,298
Basic Pay (before locality): $45,319
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 040370013
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Leightasha Davis holds the role of Dental Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2024, their total compensation was $55,298. Their pay grade is 06.

Maxine Johnson

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,985

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,985
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,985
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Gallup
Work county: Mckinley
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,985
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350340031
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Maxine Johnson works as a Dental Assistant for Department of Health and Human Services based in Gallup, New Mexico. Maxine earned $54,985 in 2024. Their pay grade is 06.

Jolanda Armstrong

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,985

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,985
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,985
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Crownpoint
Work county: Mckinley
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,985
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350215031
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jolanda Armstrong works as a Dental Assistant for Department of Health and Human Services based in Crownpoint, New Mexico. Jolanda earned $54,985 in 2024. Their pay grade is 06.

Danielle Henio

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,985

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,985
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,985
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Gallup
Work county: Mckinley
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,985
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350340031
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Danielle Henio is a Dental Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Gallup, New Mexico. 2024 total compensation came to $54,985. They are classified at grade 06.

Roxanne Newood

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,985

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,985
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,985
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Gallup
Work county: Mckinley
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,985
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350340031
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Health and Human Services, Roxanne Newood serves as a Dental Assistant based in Gallup, New Mexico. Their 2024 pay totaled $54,985. They are classified at grade 06.

Christine Trancosa

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,985

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,985
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,985
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Santa Fe
Work county: Santa Fe
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,985
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350710049
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Health and Human Services, Christine Trancosa serves as a Dental Assistant based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their 2024 pay totaled $54,985. They are classified at grade 06.

Karen Yazzie

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,985

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,985
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,985
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Gallup
Work county: Mckinley
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,985
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350340031
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Karen Yazzie works as a Dental Assistant for Department of Health and Human Services based in Gallup, New Mexico. Karen earned $54,985 in 2024. Their pay grade is 06.

Penny Bowley

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,580

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,580
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,580
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Wellpinit
Work county: Stevens
Work state: Washington

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,580
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 532455065
Length of Service (Years): 42
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Penny Bowley works as a Dental Assistant for Department of Health and Human Services based in Wellpinit, Washington. Penny earned $54,580 in 2024. Their pay grade is 06.

Michelle Vigil

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,495

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,495
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,495
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Dulce
Work county: Rio Arriba
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,495
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,163
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350255039
Length of Service (Years): 10
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Michelle Vigil holds the role of Dental Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Dulce, New Mexico. In 2024, their total compensation was $54,495. Their pay grade is 07.

Sydney Johnson

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,412

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,412
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,412
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Naytahwaush
Work county: Mahnomen
Work state: Minnesota

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,412
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 275045087
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Health and Human Services, Sydney Johnson serves as a Dental Assistant based in Naytahwaush, Minnesota. Their 2024 pay totaled $54,412. They are classified at grade 06.

Cheryl Thompson

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,412

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,412
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,412
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Whiteriver
Work county: Navajo
Work state: Arizona

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,412
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 040565017
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Cheryl Thompson is a Dental Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Whiteriver, Arizona. 2024 total compensation came to $54,412. They are classified at grade 06.

Charmaine Watts

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,412

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,412
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,412
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Warm Springs
Work county: Jefferson
Work state: Oregon

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,412
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 412175031
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Charmaine Watts works as a Dental Assistant for Department of Health and Human Services based in Warm Springs, Oregon. Charmaine earned $54,412 in 2024. Their pay grade is 06.

Ava Griffith

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,412

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,412
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,412
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Bloomfield
Work county: San Juan
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,412
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350115045
Length of Service (Years): 35
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Health and Human Services, Ava Griffith serves as a Dental Assistant based in Bloomfield, New Mexico. Their 2024 pay totaled $54,412. They are classified at grade 06.

Shelley Johnshoy

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,412

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,412
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,412
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Redlake
Work county: Beltrami
Work state: Minnesota

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,412
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 275827007
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Shelley Johnshoy holds the role of Dental Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Redlake, Minnesota. In 2024, their total compensation was $54,412. Their pay grade is 06.

Tricia Jones

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,412

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,412
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,412
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Mclaughlin
Work county: Corson
Work state: South Dakota

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,412
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 461720031
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Tricia Jones is a Dental Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Mclaughlin, South Dakota. 2024 total compensation came to $54,412. They are classified at grade 06.

Rebecca Niedo

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,412

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,412
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,412
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Lawton
Work county: Comanche
Work state: Oklahoma

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,412
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 402750031
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Health and Human Services, Rebecca Niedo serves as a Dental Assistant based in Lawton, Oklahoma. Their 2024 pay totaled $54,412. They are classified at grade 06.

Lula Smith

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,412

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,412
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,412
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Warm Springs
Work county: Jefferson
Work state: Oregon

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,412
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 412175031
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Health and Human Services, Lula Smith serves as a Dental Assistant based in Warm Springs, Oregon. Their 2024 pay totaled $54,412. They are classified at grade 06.

Valencia Tso

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,412

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,412
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,412
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Shiprock
Work county: San Juan
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,412
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350745045
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Valencia Tso works as a Dental Assistant for Department of Health and Human Services based in Shiprock, New Mexico. Valencia earned $54,412 in 2024. Their pay grade is 06.

Glenda Walker

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,412

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,412
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,412
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Whiteriver
Work county: Navajo
Work state: Arizona

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,412
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 040565017
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Glenda Walker is a Dental Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Whiteriver, Arizona. 2024 total compensation came to $54,412. They are classified at grade 06.

Tina Webster

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,412

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,412
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,412
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Claremore
Work county: Rogers
Work state: Oklahoma

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,412
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 400990131
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Tina Webster is a Dental Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Claremore, Oklahoma. 2024 total compensation came to $54,412. They are classified at grade 06.

Delphine Xicotencatl

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,412

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,412
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,412
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Teec Nos Pos
Work county: Apache
Work state: Arizona

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,412
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 040495001
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Health and Human Services, Delphine Xicotencatl serves as a Dental Assistant based in Teec Nos Pos, Arizona. Their 2024 pay totaled $54,412. They are classified at grade 06.

Sylvia Yoe

Dental Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$54,412

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $54,412
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $54,412
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Chinle
Work county: Apache
Work state: Arizona

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $54,412
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,578
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 040083001
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 0681
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Sylvia Yoe holds the role of Dental Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Chinle, Arizona. In 2024, their total compensation was $54,412. Their pay grade is 06.