Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Kearney, NE: $21.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Kearney, NE runs $21.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,686 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Kearney's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,207 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, Nebraska, dental assistants earn a median hourly pay of $21.00, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $23.84. This rate is particularly relevant for those considering part-time or per-diem positions, such as working in general dentistry operatories or pediatric settings. For a part-time dental assistant working three days a week, the hourly wage translates to weekly earnings that can help cover basic living expenses. The hourly pay range for dental assistants here spans from $17.33 at entry-level positions to approximately $26.63 for top earners, indicating room for advancement and specialization within the profession, particularly in niche environments like oral surgery or orthodontics.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.33 | $138.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.02 | $160.16 |
| Median (P50) | $21.00 | $167.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.24 | $201.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.63 | $213.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearney
Based on $21.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.00/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearney, NE can expect to earn approximately $43,679 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,199. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kearney.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearney
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $839.97 | $3,640 | $43,679 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $503.98 | $2,184 | $26,207 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $335.99 | $1,456 | $17,471 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Kearney) | $21.00 |
| 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 Kearney, NE earn a median of $43,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $45,364.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.00/hr = $26,207/year (purchasing power: $28,642).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,679/year (purchasing power: $47,736).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Kearney grew 19.9% from $16.98/hr (2019) to $20.36/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.66/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 Kearney 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 Kearney
Taking a closer look at the earning potential in Kearney, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week can expect significantly different annual take-home pay compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Kearney typically falls between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding higher rates of $28 to $45. Various employer types influence these rates; for example, general practices, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics each have distinct compensation models. Additionally, considerations around hourly rates often hinge on the benefits offered, with some dental assistants opting for lower pay in return for health insurance and job security. For those entering the field, effective negotiation can leverage their hours and certification—particularly valuable in the growing DSO environment characterized by structured pay scales that impact overall compensation trajectories.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Kearney in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Kearney?
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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 Kearney. 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 Kearney 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