Dental Assistants vs Loan Officers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Loan Officers professionals earn $26,880 more per year than Dental Assistants professionals — that's 56.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Dental Assistants earns $61,780 compared to $145,780 for Loan Officers.
Salary Range Comparison
Dental Assistants$36,190 – $61,780
Loan Officers$38,490 – $145,780
$36,190$145,780
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Dental Assistants | Loan Officers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $36,190 | $38,490 | $-2,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,520 | $50,460 | $-10,940 |
| Median (50th) | $47,300 | $74,180 | $-26,880 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,910 | $101,920 | $-45,010 |
| 90th Percentile | $61,780 | $145,780 | $-84,000 |
| Mean (Average) | $48,860 | $86,020 | $-37,160 |
Employment Numbers
Dental Assistants
375,430
employed nationwide
Loan Officers
290,530
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $65,360 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $64,600 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $62,700 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $60,890 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $59,270 |
Best Cities for Loan Officers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $102,540 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $94,850 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $94,840 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $94,110 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $91,900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Dental Assistants or Loan Officers?
Loan Officers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $26,880 (56.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants?
Dental Assistants salaries range from $36,190 (10th percentile) to $61,780 (90th percentile), with a median of $47,300.
What is the salary range for Loan Officers?
Loan Officers salaries range from $38,490 (10th percentile) to $145,780 (90th percentile), with a median of $74,180.
How many Dental Assistants and Loan Officers jobs are there?
There are approximately 375,430 Dental Assistants positions and 290,530 Loan Officers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Loan Officers to Dental Assistants?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Dental Assistants has a median salary of $47,300 while Loan Officers earns $74,180. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS