Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Sheridan, WY: $21.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Sheridan, WY runs $21.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,349 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Sheridan's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,211 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sheridan, Wyoming, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $21.80 per hour in 2026, which falls below the national median of $23.84 per hour. This rate can be particularly advantageous for part-time or per-diem workers, often seen in settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric dental practices, or orthodontic clinics, where flexible schedules are common. With the hourly range for dental assistants in Sheridan spanning from $17.66 for entry-level positions to $26.43 for top earners, opportunities exist for various levels of experience. Such levels of pay illustrate the potential earnings in the profession, and these estimates stem from annual salary data converted to hourly rates, highlighting how the local market addresses compensation for dental assistants.
About the Sheridan 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) | $17.66 | $141.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.38 | $163.04 |
| Median (P50) | $21.80 | $174.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.57 | $204.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.43 | $211.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sheridan
Based on $21.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.80/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sheridan, WY can expect to earn approximately $45,352 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,165. With a cost-of-living index of 95.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sheridan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sheridan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $872.15 | $3,779 | $45,352 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $523.29 | $2,268 | $27,211 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $348.86 | $1,512 | $18,141 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Sheridan) | $21.80 |
| 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 Sheridan, WY earn a median of $45,349 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.53% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.50% below the Wyoming state average of $47,485.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.80/hr = $27,211/year (purchasing power: $28,404).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,352/year (purchasing power: $47,340).
CoL index: 95.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Sheridan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Sheridan grew 19.9% from $17.63/hr (2019) to $21.14/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.49/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 Sheridan 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 Sheridan
Considering a part-time dental assistant working three days a week, which typically totals around 24 hours, their annual earnings could range significantly compared to their full-time counterparts. This structure makes many positions attractive specifically for those seeking work-life balance without sacrificing substantial income. Per diem roles are particularly lucrative, with rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour for general tasks, and even higher for specialized roles like oral surgery or orthodontic positions, where pay can reach $28 to $45 per hour. In Sheridan, employers vary widely, from solo dental practices to larger chains such as Heartland and Aspen, each offering different benefits that can influence the hourly rate. Some dental assistants may choose lower hourly wages for job security and benefits, while others prefer flexible gigs that allow for higher pay per hour but lack comprehensive health coverage. Understanding these dynamics can aid dental professionals in negotiating their salaries effectively, depending on the employer type and their personal career goals.
More salary data for Sheridan, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Sheridan in 2026?
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Are dental assistants in Sheridan paid hourly or salary?
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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 Sheridan. 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 Sheridan 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