Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Laramie, WY: $22.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Laramie, WY runs $22.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,944 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Laramie's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,164 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laramie, Wyoming, a dental assistant can expect an hourly median pay of $22.57, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This rate provides a solid foundation for various work arrangements often found in the field. For part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, this translates into a meaningful income while allowing for flexibility. Per-diem dental assistants typically see rates between $17.74 at entry-level positions to as high as $27.57 for more experienced roles, offering both a structured environment in general dentistry and opportunities in specialized areas like oral surgery and orthodontics. The estimated hourly rates are grounded in expected annual salary data, allowing workers to anticipate their earnings based on both skill level and practice type.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.74 | $141.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.87 | $166.92 |
| Median (P50) | $22.57 | $180.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.49 | $211.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.57 | $220.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laramie
Based on $22.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.57/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laramie, WY can expect to earn approximately $46,939 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,080. With a cost-of-living index of 95.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Laramie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laramie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $902.68 | $3,912 | $46,939 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $541.61 | $2,347 | $28,164 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $361.07 | $1,565 | $18,776 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Laramie) | $22.57 |
| 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 Laramie, WY earn a median of $46,944 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.31% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.20% below the Wyoming state average of $47,514.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.57/hr = $28,164/year (purchasing power: $29,398).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,939/year (purchasing power: $48,997).
CoL index: 95.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Laramie grew 19.9% from $18.24/hr (2019) to $21.88/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.28/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 Laramie 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 Laramie
Examining part-time earning potential reveals that a dental assistant working 24 hours per week can take home approximately $28,032 annually, which can be appealing in Laramie’s cost of living context. For those engaged in per-diem positions—ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, especially in specialty practices—this could significantly increase total earnings. Laramie's dental market is diverse, including general practices and specialty offices, each presenting varying wage offerings. For example, dental assistants in oral surgery or orthodontic practices may command higher per-diem rates, reaching $28-$45 per hour. While many professionals might choose jobs with lower hourly pay for the stability of health benefits, the negotiation landscape in Laramie encourages hourly workers to advocate for competitive rates. Understanding employer preferences in this specialized market can make a difference when navigating wage discussions, especially as DSO chains streamline hiring practices.
More salary data for Laramie, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Laramie in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Laramie?
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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 Laramie. 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 Laramie 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