Entry-Level Dental Assistant Salary in Sheridan, WY: $36,723 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dental assistants entering the Sheridan, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,723 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sheridan's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,333 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,349) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sheridan, Wyoming, new graduates entering the dental assisting profession can anticipate starting salaries around $36,723, which is below the city’s median of $45,349. This entry-level pay reflects the lower end of the salary range for 2026, and while it may seem modest, there is potential for growth in the first few years. Over three to five years, individuals can realistically work toward the 25th percentile salary of $42,401 and aim for the median as they gain experience and refine their skills. Given the projected annual growth rate of 3.14%, the Sheridan job market offers an encouraging outlook for newcomers to establish themselves in this essential healthcare field.
About the Sheridan Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sheridan
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 Sheridan
Entry-level dental assistants in Sheridan, WY typically start between $36,723 and $42,401 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,251 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,349 — 8.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average dental assisting program cost in Wyoming of $6,000 represents just 16.34% of the starting dental assistant pay ($36,723/year) in Sheridan. 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 Sheridan
- 1Research the Sheridan market: entry-level dental assistant pay ranges from $36,723 to $42,401, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Sheridan, 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 Sheridan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sheridan's moderate 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 Sheridan is $18,251 ( 49.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,723, experienced hygienists can earn up to $54,974.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,831
2025 BLS Actual
$35,605
2026 Current Est.
$36,723
2019–2027 Growth
+41.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Sheridan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,751 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,365 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,158 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,013 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,279 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,605 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,723 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,876 | Projected |
Entry-level dental assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Sheridan, WY grew 32.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,831 in 2019 to $35,605 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,876. New graduates entering the Sheridan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sheridan 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 Sheridan
Employers in Sheridan that are known for hiring new dental assistant graduates include corporate chains like Heartland Dental, Aspen Dental, and Pacific Dental, which often offer structured training programs for entry-level staff. Additionally, general and pediatric practices may hire less experienced candidates, while oral surgery offices usually prefer applicants with prior experience. To boost starting pay in Wyoming, obtaining credentials such as a DANB CDA or participating in a DANB-accredited program can be advantageous. Additionally, certifications for radiology and expanded functions may considerably elevate earning potential. In the first three years, salary growth is attainable with relevant certifications and hands-on experience, particularly as corporate dental service organizations standardize pay scales and training protocols. With the recent consolidation within the industry, entry-level dental assistants in Sheridan have a solid pathway to advance their careers while filling crucial roles in the evolving dental landscape.
More salary data for Sheridan, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for dental assistants in Sheridan in 2026?
How fast do dental assistant salaries grow in Sheridan?
Is dental assisting school worth it in Sheridan?
What do new dental assistants make right out of school in Sheridan?
How do I become a dental assistant in Wyoming?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wyoming
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 Sheridan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sheridan 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