Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Hutchinson, KS: $21.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Hutchinson, KS runs $21.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,088 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Hutchinson's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,452 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hutchinson, Kansas, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $21.20, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $23.84. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for part-time and per-diem workers, especially in settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery procedure rooms. With entry-level dental assistants starting around $17.40 and top earners reaching up to $27.53 per hour, there is a financial spectrum that reflects varying levels of experience and responsibility within the field. These values are derived from annual salary data and demonstrate the local market dynamics, influencing how dental assistants negotiate their rates based on the specific demands of their roles.
About the Hutchinson Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.40 | $139.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.14 | $161.15 |
| Median (P50) | $21.20 | $169.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.62 | $196.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.53 | $220.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hutchinson
Based on $21.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.20/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hutchinson, KS can expect to earn approximately $44,086 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,434. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hutchinson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hutchinson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $847.81 | $3,674 | $44,086 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $508.69 | $2,204 | $26,452 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $339.12 | $1,470 | $17,634 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Hutchinson) | $21.20 |
| 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 Hutchinson, KS earn a median of $44,088 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.08% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.20% below the Kansas state average of $45,080.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.20/hr = $26,452/year (purchasing power: $29,100).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,086/year (purchasing power: $48,500).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Hutchinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Hutchinson grew 19.9% from $17.13/hr (2019) to $20.55/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.86/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 Hutchinson 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 Hutchinson
When evaluating the financial viability of a part-time dental assistant role, those working three days a week could see their annual income significantly differ compared to full-time positions. Dental assistants in Hutchinson might typically earn between $22 and $35 per hour for per-diem roles, while agency positions focusing on specialty areas can command even higher rates ranging from $28 to $45 per hour. Employers in Hutchinson—including solo practices, group dental offices, and larger DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen—often have varied pay scales for assistants. Many dental assistants may choose to prioritize benefits associated with lower hourly wages over higher pay without benefits. Consequently, it pays to invest time in negotiating compensation—understanding the specific needs of the employer can lead to better deals for prospective hires in this profession.
More salary data for Hutchinson, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Hutchinson in 2026?
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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 Hutchinson. 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 Hutchinson 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