Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Rawlins, WY: $21.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Rawlins, WY runs $21.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,016 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Rawlins's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,005 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Rawlins, Wyoming, can expect a median hourly pay of $21.64, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $23.84 per hour. This hourly rate translates well for part-time workers, especially those employed three days a week, allowing them to maintain a flexible schedule while earning a fair wage. The hourly compensation for dental assistants in Rawlins ranges from $17.16 at the entry-level to $27.23 for those who achieve top earnings. Given that workforce settings for dental assistants include general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices, the ability to earn well on an hourly basis can provide a substantial uplift for both per-diem and part-time dental assistants, who often utilize the median as a guideline to negotiate pay in diverse clinical environments.
About the Rawlins 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) | $17.16 | $137.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.04 | $160.32 |
| Median (P50) | $21.64 | $173.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.73 | $197.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.23 | $217.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rawlins
Based on $21.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.64/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rawlins, WY can expect to earn approximately $45,009 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,967. With a cost-of-living index of 95.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rawlins.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rawlins
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $865.55 | $3,751 | $45,009 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $519.33 | $2,250 | $27,005 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $346.22 | $1,500 | $18,003 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Rawlins) | $21.64 |
| 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 Rawlins, WY earn a median of $45,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.20% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.20% below the Wyoming state average of $47,486.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.64/hr = $27,005/year (purchasing power: $28,189).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,009/year (purchasing power: $46,982).
CoL index: 95.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Rawlins grew 19.9% from $17.49/hr (2019) to $20.98/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.32/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 Rawlins 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 Rawlins
Considering the part-time earning potential, a dental assistant working a 3-day week (approximately 24 hours) might earn about $25,000 annually, which is significantly less than a full-time colleague. Additionally, per-diem dental assistants frequently charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles such as those in oral surgery and orthodontics reaching $28 to $45 per hour. In Rawlins, the variability of hourly wages also stems from the type of employer; solo practices, group practices, and corporate entities like Heartland or Pacific Dental may offer differing pay scales. Some might choose lower hourly rates for jobs providing health insurance benefits, while others may prefer higher pay without additional perks. For those in the dental field looking to negotiate their salaries, emphasizing specialized training or certifications like those endorsed by DANB can bolster their position in discussions, especially as the market for dental assistants evolves with the rise of DSOs.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Rawlins in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Rawlins?
Are dental assistants in Rawlins paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Rawlins?
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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 Rawlins. 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 Rawlins 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