Dental Assistant Salary in Cody, WY: $45,660 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Cody, WY earns a median $45,660/year (≈ $21.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Cody's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $47,662 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Wyoming state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cody, Wyoming, the projected median annual salary for dental assistants is $45,660 for 2026, which reflects the influence of expanded functions allowed under state regulations. The salary range spans from $37,516 at the 10th percentile to $54,273 at the 90th percentile, providing a comprehensive view of potential earnings within the local market. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price levels, indicate that dental assistant pay in Cody is approximately 7.90% lower than the national average of $49,579. Despite this disparity, the job market remains active in Cody, as practitioners increasingly recognize the value of well-trained dental assistants who can perform a broader range of dental procedures due to EFDA requirements.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,516 | $18.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,086 | $20.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,660 | $21.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,019 | $25.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,273 | $26.09 |
Median Salary Position
7.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cody
In Cody, WY, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,757 (2026 est.). At $45,660, the local median is 7.9% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cody: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cody Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Cody median: $45,660/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cody Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $47,513 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -7.90% less |
Dental Assistants in Cody, WY earn a median of $45,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.90% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.90% below the Wyoming state average of $47,513.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cody has a cost of living 4.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cody, WY has a cost-of-living index of 95.8 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $45,660 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,662 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.38% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,912
2025 BLS Actual
$44,270
2026 Current Est.
$45,660
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,912 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,925 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,604 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,277 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,861 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,522 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,660 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,094 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cody metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $36,912 (2019) to $44,270 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,094 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,182 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody 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) | $37,516 – $43,086 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,086 – $45,660 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,660 – $53,019 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,019 – $54,273 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Cody
Cody's local job market employs five dental assistants, each contributing to the overall demand for dental services in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 95.8, residents in Cody can enjoy relatively affordable living expenses, which enhances the purchasing power of their salaries. Among local employers, general dental practices tend to provide competitive salaries, while specialty practices such as orthodontics and oral surgery often pay higher wages. The noticeable salary differences can be attributed to factors such as the increased skill set required in specialty roles and EFDA certification. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced training, exploring roles at DSO chains, or seeking positions that combine dental assisting with treatment coordination can be effective strategies in the Cody dental assistant market.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
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 $44,270 for dental assistantsin the Cody 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 Cody 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