Dental Assistant Salary in Florence, KY: $47,606 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Florence, KY earns a median $47,606/year (≈ $22.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Florence's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $53,310 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Florence, KY, dental assistants can expect a median annual salary of $47,606 in 2026, reflecting the influence of the state's EFDA expanded function authority. This regulatory framework often permits these professionals to take on additional responsibilities, which can lead to pay rates that are higher than the national averages seen across the industry. The salary range for dental assistants in the area spans from $37,818 at the 10th percentile to as much as $58,407 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating a structured compensation system based on skills and experience. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, highlighting the specific employment climate in Florence.
About the Florence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,818 | $18.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,157 | $21.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,606 | $22.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,018 | $26.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,407 | $28.09 |
Median Salary Position
3.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Florence
In Florence, KY, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,589 (2026 est.). At $47,606, the local median is 3.98% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Florence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Florence Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Florence median: $47,606/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Florence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $48,039 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -3.98% less |
Dental Assistants in Florence, KY earn a median of $47,606 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.98% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.90% below the Kentucky state average of $48,039.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Florence has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Florence, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $47,606 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,310 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,485
2025 BLS Actual
$46,157
2026 Current Est.
$47,606
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,485 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,541 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,121 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,036 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,688 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,626 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,157 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,606 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,101 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Florence metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,485 (2019) to $46,157 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,101 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,616 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Florence 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) | $37,818 – $44,157 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,157 – $47,606 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,606 – $56,018 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,018 – $58,407 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Florence
Evaluating the dental assistant pay in Florence, it's clear that the local job market is relatively small, with only seven dental assistants currently employed. The cost of living index in Florence, rated at 89.3, indicates a lower-than-average expense for residents, which enhances the purchasing power of a dental assistant's salary. Larger employers, such as dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen, typically offer better compensation, particularly for those in specialized roles such as oral surgery or orthodontics. Salary disparities are driven by various factors, including specialty areas, the presence of EFDA credentials, and hybrid job roles that combine responsibilities. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications, engaging with specialty practices, and considering opportunities within DSO chains can significantly enhance their overall compensation in this competitive market.
More salary data for Florence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $46,157 for dental assistantsin the Florence 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 Florence 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