Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Liberal, KS: $20.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Liberal, KS runs $20.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Liberal's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,216 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberal, Kansas, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $20.21 in 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate can significantly influence the income of part-time workers, such as those who are employed three days a week, contributing around 24 hours. Working in various dental environments—from general dentistry operatories to pediatric exam rooms—dental assistants in this region will see their hourly earnings range from $17.18 for entry-level positions (P10) to $25.51 for top earners (P90). It's crucial to understand that these hourly figures are estimates based on projected annual salary data, reflecting the economic landscape specific to the area.
About the Liberal 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) | $17.18 | $137.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.56 | $156.44 |
| Median (P50) | $20.21 | $161.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.14 | $185.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.51 | $204.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberal
Based on $20.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.21/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberal, KS can expect to earn approximately $42,027 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,246. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $808.21 | $3,502 | $42,027 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $484.92 | $2,101 | $25,216 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $323.28 | $1,401 | $16,811 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Liberal) | $20.21 |
| 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 Liberal, KS earn a median of $42,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $45,052.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.21/hr = $25,216/year (purchasing power: $27,740).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,027/year (purchasing power: $46,234).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Liberal grew 19.9% from $16.33/hr (2019) to $19.59/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.84/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 Liberal 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 Liberal
For those considering dental assisting roles in Liberal, the earning potential varies greatly depending on full-time or per-diem employment. A part-time assistant working 24 hours a week would bring in substantially less annually compared to full-time colleagues. Per-diem dental assistants can charge between $22 and $35 per hour and may reach $28 to $45 per hour in specialized settings like oral surgery or orthodontics. Dental assistants also encounter differing hourly rates based on their employer, with general practices, orthodontic offices, and specialty clinics offering varying pay scales. While some dental assistants may opt for lower pay with the inclusion of health benefits, others seek higher hourly wages without benefits. To maximize earning potential within the local market, it's advisable for dental assistants to negotiate based on their skills and certifications, particularly if they hold DANB or EFDA credentials, which can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Liberal 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 Liberal. 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 Liberal 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