Salary Expectations
Keep in mind that your salary will greatly fluctuate in regard to where you live in the country. As with anything, location means a lot in determining how much money you will make as a orthodontist assistant.
From the most recent numbers we can find, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) says that as of May 2008 you can expect to earn the following:
- The top 10% will earn more than $46,150
- The middle 50% will earn $26,980-38,960
- The average salary earned is $32,380
- The lowest 10% earned less than $22,270
All of these numbers are contingent on the degree of employment as well (full or part-time). According to the BLS many assistants move on after a while to selling medical supplies, going back to school to increase their education, or leaving the industry altogether.
