Dental Assistant Salary in Norman, OK: $44,672 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Norman, OK earns a median $44,672/year (≈ $21.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Norman's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $50,250 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Norman, OK are projected to earn a median annual salary of $44,672, which is approximately 9.90% lower than the national median of $49,579. The salary range for this position in the area is expected to span from $32,481 at the entry-level (P10) to $57,647 for those at the higher end of experience and specialized roles (P90). Estimates are derived from state-level Bureau of Labor Statistics data, adjusted for local cost variations. With the growth rate in this field estimated at 3.14% annually, the job market is likely to remain competitive, reflecting both local demand and the regional focus on differentiated dental services, especially within oral surgery and orthodontics, which often command higher salaries.
About the Norman Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,481 | $15.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,101 | $20.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,672 | $21.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,912 | $25.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,647 | $27.71 |
Median Salary Position
9.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norman
In Norman, OK, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,166 (2026 est.). At $44,672, the local median is 9.9% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norman: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norman Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Norman median: $44,672/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norman Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $44,055 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | -9.90% less |
Dental Assistants in Norman, OK earn a median of $44,672 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.90% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.40% above the Oklahoma state average of $44,055.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norman has a cost of living 11.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norman, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $44,672 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,250 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,113
2025 BLS Actual
$43,312
2026 Current Est.
$44,672
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Norman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,113 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,104 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,833 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,384 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,933 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,239 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,312 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,672 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,075 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norman metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $36,113 (2019) to $43,312 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,075 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,962 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norman 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) | $32,481 – $42,101 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,101 – $44,672 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,672 – $53,912 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,912 – $57,647 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Norman
With 22 dental assistants currently employed in Norman, the community reflects an active job market in this field. The cost-of-living index stands at 88.9, offering a context where lower living expenses can enhance take-home purchasing power for dental assistants. Employers such as pediatric dental specialty offices and orthodontic practices typically provide higher wages compared to general dental practices, influenced by the growing presence of dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen. Factors contributing to the salary variance include specialty focus, expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) credentials, and roles combining additional responsibilities as treatment coordinators. For those seeking to maximize their dental assistant pay in Norman, obtaining relevant certifications, pursuing opportunities within specialty practices, and considering DSO positions could prove advantageous.
More salary data for Norman, OK:
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 $43,312 for dental assistantsin the Norman 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 Norman 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