Dental Assistant Salary in Hutchinson, KS: $44,088 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Hutchinson, KS earns a median $44,088/year (≈ $21.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Hutchinson's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $48,502 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hutchinson, Kansas, the projected median annual dental assistant salary in 2026 is $44,088, which reflects a competitive position against the national median of $49,579, marking a difference of around 11.08%. The salary range for dental assistants in the area spans from $36,198 at the 10th percentile to $57,252 at the 90th percentile, exposing a distinct market for those willing to develop specialized skills. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight potential earnings for dental assistants pursuing roles in specialties such as oral surgery or orthodontics, which typically command a higher pay scale than general practice roles. This local job market hints at possibilities for financial growth and specialization, inviting dental assistants to consider their career pathways within Hutchinson.
About the Hutchinson Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,198 | $17.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,900 | $20.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,088 | $21.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,200 | $24.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,252 | $27.53 |
Median Salary Position
11.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hutchinson
In Hutchinson, KS, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,054 (2026 est.). At $44,088, the local median is 11.08% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hutchinson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hutchinson Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Hutchinson median: $44,088/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hutchinson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $45,080 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -11.08% less |
Dental Assistants in Hutchinson, KS earn a median of $44,088 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.08% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.20% below the Kansas state average of $45,080.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hutchinson 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.
Hutchinson, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $44,088 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,502 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,641
2025 BLS Actual
$42,746
2026 Current Est.
$44,088
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Hutchinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,641 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,619 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,378 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,856 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,385 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,746 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,088 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,473 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hutchinson metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $35,641 (2019) to $42,746 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,473 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,832 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hutchinson 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) | $36,198 – $41,900 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,900 – $44,088 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,088 – $51,200 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,200 – $57,252 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Hutchinson
The job market for dental assistants in Hutchinson is relatively small, with only ten employed in the area, yet it still offers promising opportunities given the local cost of living index of 90.9, which is below the national average. This index suggests that dental assistant pay in Hutchinson has significant purchasing power, making it easier to enjoy a reasonable quality of life. Among employers, specialty offices, particularly oral surgery and orthodontic practices, often pay more than general dental practices. Variations in salaries are driven by factors such as specialty focus, the credentialing of expanded function dental assistants (EFDA), and the demands of hybrid roles such as treatment coordinators. To maximize earning potential, dental assistants might consider pursuing EFDA certification where applicable or seeking employment with DSO chains, which often provide structured pay scales and consistent advancement opportunities.
More salary data for Hutchinson, 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 $42,746 for dental assistantsin the Hutchinson 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 Hutchinson 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