Dental Assistants vs Fast Food and Counter Workers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Dental Assistants professionals earn $16,820 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 55.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Dental Assistants earns $61,780 compared to $38,800 for Fast Food and Counter Workers.
Salary Range Comparison
Dental Assistants$36,190 – $61,780
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
$22,620$61,780
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Dental Assistants | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $36,190 | $22,620 | +$13,570 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,520 | $27,150 | +$12,370 |
| Median (50th) | $47,300 | $30,480 | +$16,820 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,910 | $35,440 | +$21,470 |
| 90th Percentile | $61,780 | $38,800 | +$22,980 |
| Mean (Average) | $48,860 | $31,350 | +$17,510 |
Employment Numbers
Dental Assistants
375,430
employed nationwide
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
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 Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $42,660 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $40,470 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $38,310 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $37,650 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $36,480 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Dental Assistants or Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Dental Assistants professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $16,820 (55.2% 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 Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Fast Food and Counter Workers salaries range from $22,620 (10th percentile) to $38,800 (90th percentile), with a median of $30,480.
How many Dental Assistants and Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs are there?
There are approximately 375,430 Dental Assistants positions and 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Fast Food and Counter Workers to Dental Assistants?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Dental Assistants has a median salary of $47,300 while Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $30,480. 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