Casper vs Gillette: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Casper, WY and Gillette, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Casper, WY | Gillette, WY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,507▲ | $44,998 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.80▲ | $21.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,058▲ | $36,126 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,812 | $42,018▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,024 | $54,192▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,901 | $55,654▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Casper, WY offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gillette.
The salary gap between Casper and Gillette is $4,509 (10.02%). Casper's median is -0.15% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Casper spans $15,843,Gillette spans $19,528. Gillette has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Casper ($52,763 effective) pays 12.33% more than Gillette ($46,971 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Casper if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,507/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,763)
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Choose Gillette if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,654)
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Casper grew 16.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.3% growth in Gillette over the same period.
Casper, WY
$41,100 (2019) → $48,000 (2025)
Gillette, WY
$39,934 (2024) → $43,628 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Casper, WY
Gillette, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Casper or Gillette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Casper and Gillette?
Should I relocate from Casper to Gillette as a dental assistant?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov