Dental Assistant Salary in Draper, UT: $37,631 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Draper, UT earns a median $37,631/year (≈ $18.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Draper's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $38,360 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
According to 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, the dental assistant salary in Draper, UT, is projected to be a median of $37,631, which reflects the growing demand for dental assistants in line with the state's expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) regulations. This local salary range spans between $28,149 at the 10th percentile and $47,910 at the 90th percentile, offering room for career growth and development in this competitive field. The increased scope of practice for EFDA-credentialed dental assistants often leads to higher compensation, positioning them above traditional dental assistant pay rates. Understanding the influence of these credentials is crucial for aspiring dental assistants and those currently practicing in Draper, especially in a market where local hiring trends reflect both specialty and general practices.
About the Draper Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,149 | $13.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,741 | $16.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,631 | $18.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,147 | $21.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47,910 | $23.03 |
Median Salary Position
24.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Draper
In Draper, UT, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,761 (2026 est.). At $37,631, the local median is 24.1% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Draper: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Draper Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Draper median: $37,631/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Draper Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $37,744 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -24.10% less |
Dental Assistants in Draper, UT earn a median of $37,631 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.10% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.30% below the Utah state average of $37,744.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Draper has a cost of living 1.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Draper, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $37,631 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $38,360 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,421
2025 BLS Actual
$36,485
2026 Current Est.
$37,631
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Draper (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,421 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,256 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,343 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,018 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,324 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,052 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,485 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,631 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,812 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Draper metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $30,421 (2019) to $36,485 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,812 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,391 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Draper 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) | $28,149 – $33,741 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,741 – $37,631 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,631 – $45,147 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,147 – $47,910 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Draper
Examining the local job market reveals that Draper employs around 10 dental assistants, indicating a niche but steady demand for skilled professionals. With a cost of living index at 98.1, living expenses are slightly below the national average, which can enhance take-home purchasing power for dental assistants residing in the area. Among the various employers, larger dental service organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland or Aspen Dental can offer more competitive pay structures compared to smaller, independent practices. The disparity between lower and higher salaries is often driven by factors such as specialization (with orthodontic and oral surgery practices typically providing higher pay than general dentistry), credentialing, and the possibility of hybrid roles that incorporate treatment coordination. For those aiming to maximize their dental assistant pay in Draper, pursuing EFDA credentials and seeking positions in higher-paying specialties may greatly improve earning potential.
More salary data for Draper, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dental assistants make $100K in Draper?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental assistant salary in Draper?
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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 $36,485 for dental assistantsin the Draper 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 Draper 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