Dental Assistant Salary in Lawrence, KS: $45,572 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Lawrence, KS earns a median $45,572/year (≈ $21.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $50,134 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Kansas, the dental assistant salary averages $45,572 in 2026, reflecting a local market that trends lower than the national median of $49,579. The salary range for dental assistants in the area extends from $33,774 at the 10th percentile to $57,626 at the 90th percentile, suggesting that while many may see a reasonable income, there are also opportunities for top earners to significantly exceed the norm. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect local economic conditions and the presence of various dental practices, including specialized offices such as orthodontics and oral surgery, which can contribute to higher earning potential for skilled assistants. The landscape of job opportunities in this college town indicates a budding environment for both new and experienced dental professionals.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,774 | $16.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,360 | $20.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,572 | $21.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,439 | $26.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,626 | $27.70 |
Median Salary Position
8.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, KS, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,852 (2026 est.). At $45,572, the local median is 8.08% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lawrence Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $45,572/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $45,077 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | -8.08% less |
Dental Assistants in Lawrence, KS earn a median of $45,572 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.08% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.10% above the Kansas state average of $45,077.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence 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.
Lawrence, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $45,572 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,134 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,890
2025 BLS Actual
$44,185
2026 Current Est.
$45,572
2019–2027 Growth
+7.1%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,185 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,572 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,003 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 0.7% from $43,890 (2019) to $44,185 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,003 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,113 (7.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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) | $33,774 – $43,360 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,360 – $45,572 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,572 – $54,439 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,439 – $57,626 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Lawrence
The job market in Lawrence currently employs 22 dental assistants, indicating a modest demand in the region. With a cost-of-living index of 90.9, the purchasing power for dental assistants tends to stretch further compared to more expensive urban areas. Those seeking lucrative positions should consider dental specialties, as practices in orthodontics and oral surgery tend to offer higher compensation than general dental offices. Factors such as holding an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) credential or taking on a hybrid role as a treatment coordinator can also enhance pay prospects. Additionally, joining larger DSO chains might provide structured salary increases, while those in mentoring or leadership positions often receive extra stipends. For dental assistants in Lawrence, maximizing earnings often hinges on specializing in high-demand areas and pursuing advanced credentials recognized by professional bodies like DANB and ADAA.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 $44,185 for dental assistantsin the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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