Dental Assistant Salary in North Liberty, IA: $47,126 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in North Liberty, IA earns a median $47,126/year (≈ $22.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in North Liberty's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $52,131 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in North Liberty, Iowa are projected to earn a median annual salary of $47,126, which is approximately 4.95% less than the national average of $49,579. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $37,161 and the highest 90% reaching up to $58,836. This data is drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations. Given the presence of specialty practices such as orthodontics and oral surgery in North Liberty, those with advanced skills or EFDA credentials may command higher pay, reflecting the increasing demand for specialized dental support roles in the area.
About the North Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,161 | $17.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,251 | $22.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,126 | $22.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,326 | $27.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,836 | $28.29 |
Median Salary Position
4.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Liberty
In North Liberty, IA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,675 (2026 est.). At $47,126, the local median is 4.95% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Liberty: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Liberty Dental Assistant Pay Compares
North Liberty median: $47,126/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Liberty Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $49,974 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -4.95% less |
Dental Assistants in North Liberty, IA earn a median of $47,126 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.95% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.70% below the Iowa state average of $49,974.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Liberty has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Liberty, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $47,126 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,131 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,096
2025 BLS Actual
$45,691
2026 Current Est.
$47,126
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in North Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,096 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,142 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,747 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,602 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,237 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,511 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,691 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,126 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,605 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Liberty metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,096 (2019) to $45,691 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,605 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,509 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Liberty 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,161 – $46,251 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,251 – $47,126 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,126 – $56,326 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,326 – $58,836 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in North Liberty
An analysis of the local job market reveals that North Liberty employs only six dental assistants, indicating a relatively small workforce in this profession. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, salaries may feel less impactful compared to more expensive areas, enhancing the purchasing power for dental assistants as they earn their pay. Employers vary in compensation levels, with specialty practices typically offering higher wages than general dental offices, as chains like Heartland and Aspen often leverage standardized pay scales. Factors that influence the disparity in salaries include the type of dental practice, the presence of specialized roles such as treatment coordinators, and the credentialing of the assistants. To maximize pay potential in North Liberty, dental assistants should consider pursuing specialized training or obtaining additional certifications, which may provide a competitive edge in securing higher-paying positions.
More salary data for North Liberty, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $45,691 for dental assistantsin the North Liberty metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Liberty 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