Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Lawrence, KS: $21.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Lawrence, KS runs $21.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,572 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 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,340 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Kansas, dental assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $21.91, which falls below the national median of $23.84 per hour. This hourly rate presents various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers within the local dental landscape, which includes diverse environments such as general dentistry operatories and specialty practices. Those working part-time, typically scheduling three days a week, can enjoy a stable income while balancing other commitments. The hourly pay for entry-level positions starts at approximately $16.23, with top earners in the profession reaching around $27.70, reflecting the demand for skilled dental assistants across the region.
About the Lawrence 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) | $16.23 | $129.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.84 | $166.76 |
| Median (P50) | $21.91 | $175.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.18 | $209.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.70 | $221.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $21.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.91/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, KS can expect to earn approximately $45,566 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,288. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (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) | $876.28 | $3,797 | $45,566 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $525.77 | $2,278 | $27,340 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $350.51 | $1,519 | $18,227 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Lawrence) | $21.91 |
| 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, KS earn a median of $45,572 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.08% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.10% above the Kansas state average of $45,077.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.91/hr = $27,340/year (purchasing power: $30,077).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,566/year (purchasing power: $50,128).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+7.1%
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 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Lawrence grew 0.7% from $21.10/hr (2019) to $21.24/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.59/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
Taking into account the earning potential for part-time dental assistants in Lawrence, those working just 24 hours a week can expect a significantly different financial outcome compared to their full-time counterparts. Part-time workers could take home around $27,130 annually, while full-time dental assistants making the median rate would earn about $45,572 each year. Per diem dental assistant pay in Lawrence can range from $22-$35 per hour for regular roles, but specialized positions in oral surgery or orthodontics may command $28-$45 per hour, making flexible work arrangements attractive. Factors such as employer type—ranging from solo practices to large DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen—influence hourly pay rates. While general practices might offer lower wages, they often provide benefits that can be appealing. For dental assistants negotiating their hourly rate, it's wise to consider the trade-off between higher pay without benefits and lower pay with health insurance and other perks, ensuring they align with their personal and professional priorities.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Lawrence 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 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