Entry-Level Dental Assistant Salary in Fremont, NE: $33,430 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dental assistants entering the Fremont, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,430 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fremont's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,536 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($44,020) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the dental assisting field in Fremont, Nebraska can expect starting salaries around $33,430, which is considerably lower than the city's median annual salary of $44,020. This initial pay may set realistic expectations for those just beginning their careers, and while the salary range for dental assistants in the area can extend up to $56,467, new dental assistants will typically progress from entry-level wages to higher tiers. The gap between entry-level pay and the median highlights a pathway for growth, where those with some experience can aim to earn closer to $41,397 after a few years. For recent graduates in Fremont, the local job market appears to be favorable, particularly with a projected growth rate of 3.14%, suggesting that opportunities for advancement in this role will be steady in the coming years.
About the Fremont Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fremont
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fremont
Entry-level dental assistants in Fremont, NE typically start between $33,430 and $41,397 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,037 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $44,020 — 11.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average dental assisting program cost in Nebraska of $6,000 represents just 17.95% of the starting dental assistant pay ($33,430/year) in Fremont. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ADA CODA-accredited dental assisting program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type and program length (certificate vs. associate).
DA, CDA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Fremont
- 1Research the Fremont market: entry-level dental assistant pay ranges from $33,430 to $41,397, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the dental assisting field — employers in NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fremont, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Fremont for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fremont's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Dental Assistant Compensation Range
The dental assistant wage spread in Fremont is $23,037 ( 68.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,430, experienced hygienists can earn up to $56,467.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,425
2025 BLS Actual
$32,412
2026 Current Est.
$33,430
2019–2027 Growth
+41.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Fremont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,425 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,263 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,821 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,454 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,963 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,039 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,412 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,430 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,479 | Projected |
Entry-level dental assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Fremont, NE grew 32.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,425 in 2019 to $32,412 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,479. New graduates entering the Fremont job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fremont metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your dental assisting Career in Fremont
Several employers in Fremont actively seek to hire new graduates as dental assistants, with corporate dental support organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland, Aspen, and Pacific Dental being prominent in the area. These organizations often offer paid training which is an attractive feature for recent graduates. Pediatric and general dental practices are also welcoming to entry-level candidates, while oral surgery offices typically prefer applicants with prior experience. To enhance starting dental assistant pay in Nebraska, credentials such as completion of a DANB-accredited program or obtaining the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification are highly beneficial. Furthermore, acquiring state registration or licensure and specialized certifications, such as for radiology or expanded functions where allowed, can significantly impact earning potential. In the first three years, new dental assistants in Fremont should anticipate gradual salary increases, particularly if they continue their education and pursue certifications aligned with their career progression in this evolving dental landscape shaped by DSO consolidation.
More salary data for Fremont, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new dental assisting graduates. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Fremont. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fremont is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov