Dental Assistant Salary in Dodge City, KS: $42,637 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Dodge City, KS earns a median $42,637/year (≈ $20.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Dodge City's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $46,905 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dodge City, KS, the dental assistant salary landscape reveals a median annual salary of $42,637, which is notably lower than the national median of $49,579. The salary range for dental assistants in the region spans from $34,135 at the 10th percentile to $52,622 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations based on experience, employer type, and specific responsibilities. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for the local cost of living. In this market, dental assistants working in DSO chains may find more standardized compensation through established pay scales, while those in solo practices might enjoy greater flexibility but potentially lower overall earnings. Understanding the dynamics between employment models can guide professionals in assessing their career options and negotiating their worth effectively in Dodge City's job market.
About the Dodge City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,135 | $16.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,743 | $19.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,637 | $20.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,361 | $24.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,622 | $25.30 |
Median Salary Position
14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dodge City
In Dodge City, KS, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,487 (2026 est.). At $42,637, the local median is 14% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dodge City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dodge City Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Dodge City median: $42,637/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dodge City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $45,071 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -14.00% less |
Dental Assistants in Dodge City, KS earn a median of $42,637 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.00% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.40% below the Kansas state average of $45,071.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dodge City has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dodge City, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $42,637 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,905 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,468
2025 BLS Actual
$41,339
2026 Current Est.
$42,637
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Dodge City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,468 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,414 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,247 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,544 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,023 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,399 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,339 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,637 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,976 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dodge City metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $34,468 (2019) to $41,339 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,976 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,508 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dodge City 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) | $34,135 – $39,743 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,743 – $42,637 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,637 – $50,361 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,361 – $52,622 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Dodge City
The local job market for dental assistants in Dodge City is modest, with only five professionals currently employed in this role. The cost of living index stands at 90.9, indicating it is lower than the national average, which enhances the purchasing power of the salary earned here. Among different employers, DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen typically offer more competitive pay compared to general or pediatric practices, which is a critical factor when assessing dental assistant pay in Dodge City, KS. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to several factors, including specialty qualifications—such as those working in orthodontics or oral surgery—and the presence of expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) credentials, which can lead to a 25-40% pay increase in states that allow such roles. To maximize income potential, dental assistants should consider pursuing additional certifications, seeking roles in high-payer specialties, or positioning themselves within DSO chains that offer structured advancement opportunities and mentorship roles.
More salary data for Dodge City, KS:
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 $41,339 for dental assistantsin the Dodge City 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 Dodge City 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