Dental Assistant Salary in North Platte, NE: $42,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in North Platte, NE earns a median $42,184/year (≈ $20.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in North Platte's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $46,103 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the reported median annual salary for dental assistants in North Platte, Nebraska, stands at $42,184, revealing a significant gap of 14.92% when juxtaposed against the national median of $49,579. The salary range varies considerably, with the lower 10th percentile earning approximately $35,666 and the top 90th percentile reaching about $51,557. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional cost adjustments that reflect the unique economic conditions of North Platte. As the local job market includes only four dental assistants, understanding which practice type—be it a DSO chain or a solo practice—can significantly influence compensation outcomes is crucial for potential earners in this city.
About the North Platte Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,666 | $17.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,670 | $19.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,184 | $20.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,733 | $23.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,557 | $24.78 |
Median Salary Position
14.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Platte
In North Platte, NE, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,891 (2026 est.). At $42,184, the local median is 14.92% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Platte: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Platte Dental Assistant Pay Compares
North Platte median: $42,184/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Platte Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $45,359 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -14.92% less |
Dental Assistants in North Platte, NE earn a median of $42,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.92% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.00% below the Nebraska state average of $45,359.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Platte has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Platte, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $42,184 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,103 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,102
2025 BLS Actual
$40,900
2026 Current Est.
$42,184
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in North Platte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,102 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,038 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,894 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,135 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,598 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,736 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,509 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Platte metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $34,102 (2019) to $40,900 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,509 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,407 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Platte 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) | $35,666 – $40,670 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,670 – $42,184 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,184 – $49,733 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,733 – $51,557 |
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 Platte
Within this localized context, the prevailing cost of living in North Platte, evidenced by a cost of living index of 91.5, underscores the importance of purchasing power in salary discussions. While general dental practices typically offer competitive pay, those employing specialists such as orthodontists and oral surgeons tend to provide higher salaries. The variation in dental assistant pay in North Platte NE can stem from several factors, including the scope of practice, such as specialties that command higher rates, and the presence of Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDA) who often earn more due to their advanced credentials. For those aiming to maximize their earning potential, seeking employment with DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen may provide greater stability and upward mobility in their salaries, especially if pursuing further credentials through associations like DANB or ADAA.
More salary data for North Platte, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in North Platte, NE in 2026?
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Can dental assistants make $100K in North Platte?
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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 $40,900 for dental assistantsin the North Platte 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 Platte 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