Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Lawrence, IN: $22.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Lawrence, IN runs $22.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,625 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,576 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental assistant hourly pay in Lawrence, Indiana, is projected to reach a median of $22.90, slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate illustrates the potential earnings for dental assistants working in various settings, such as general dentistry operatories and orthodontic practices, where they typically can expect to work flexible schedules. Those taking on part-time roles, for example, working three days per week, will still have the opportunity to earn a competitive wage that can support their living needs. The entry-level positions in this field start at an hourly rate of approximately $18.74, while experienced dental assistants can earn up to $29.56 per hour, creating a range that can cater to various skill levels in the profession.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.74 | $149.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.65 | $173.19 |
| Median (P50) | $22.90 | $183.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.84 | $222.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.56 | $236.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $22.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.90/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, IN can expect to earn approximately $47,626 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,476. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $915.88 | $3,969 | $47,626 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $549.53 | $2,381 | $28,576 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $366.35 | $1,588 | $19,050 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Lawrence) | $22.90 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Lawrence, IN earn a median of $47,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.94% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.30% below the Indiana state average of $49,765.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.90/hr = $28,576/year (purchasing power: $31,299).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,626/year (purchasing power: $52,164).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Lawrence grew 19.9% from $18.51/hr (2019) to $22.20/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.62/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Lawrence
Exploring earnings on a part-time basis, a dental assistant working a 24-hour week would see earnings significantly lower than those working full-time but still viable when budgeting for living expenses. Per diem dental assistant pay in Lawrence is particularly noteworthy, as workers can bill anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialties such as oral surgery potentially commanding $28 to $45 per hour. The variation in hourly rates linked to employer types is significant; general dental practices, specialists, and educational institutions all present different pay scales. While some assistants may opt for lower hourly rates to secure health benefits, others might prioritize higher pay even if it comes without additional perks. For those looking to negotiate their pay, understanding the dynamics of the local market and leveraging certifications from organizations like DANB can help them secure better compensation in their positions.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Lawrence in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Lawrence?
Are dental assistants in Lawrence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Lawrence?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lawrence?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Lawrence. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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