Kearney vs Lincoln: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Kearney, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kearney, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,686 | $49,961▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.00 | $24.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,047 | $40,194▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,649 | $47,816▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,500▲ | $51,353 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,394 | $59,367▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 580▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Lincoln is $6,275 (14.36%). Lincoln's median is +0.77% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $19,347,Lincoln spans $19,173. Kearney has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($54,554 effective) pays 14.26% more than Kearney ($47,744 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,961/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,367)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,554)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Kearney grew 14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.1% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$37,007 (2024) → $42,356 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$36,400 (2019) → $48,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Kearney or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Lincoln as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Kearney vs Lincoln?
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