Dental Assistant Salary in Jackson, WY: $43,585 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Jackson, WY earns a median $43,585/year (≈ $20.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Jackson's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $45,496 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% below the Wyoming state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jackson, Wyoming, the projected median annual salary for a dental assistant in 2026 stands at $43,585, showcasing an alignment with the state's expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) rules which often drive compensation beyond general dental assistant rates. The salary range indicates that entry-level positions start around $35,882, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $52,200. These local estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity, reflect the unique job market dynamics in Jackson, including factors like demand for specialized skills and the presence of larger dental service organizations (DSOs) that can influence pay scales.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,882 | $17.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,333 | $19.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,585 | $20.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,722 | $24.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,200 | $25.09 |
Median Salary Position
12.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
In Jackson, WY, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,318 (2026 est.). At $43,585, the local median is 12.09% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jackson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jackson Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Jackson median: $43,585/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jackson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $47,478 | -8.20% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -12.09% less |
Dental Assistants in Jackson, WY earn a median of $43,585 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.09% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 8.20% below the Wyoming state average of $47,478.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jackson 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.
Jackson, WY has a cost-of-living index of 95.8 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $43,585 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,496 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.38% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,234
2025 BLS Actual
$42,258
2026 Current Est.
$43,585
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,234 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,201 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,986 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,401 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,913 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,258 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,585 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,953 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jackson metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $35,234 (2019) to $42,258 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,953 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,719 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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) | $35,882 – $40,333 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,333 – $43,585 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,585 – $50,722 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,722 – $52,200 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Jackson
Despite only five dental assistants being employed in the Jackson area, the local job market demonstrates stability amid overall healthcare employment trends. With a cost-of-living index of 95.8, the purchasing power for dental assistants in Jackson is relatively favorable compared to national averages. Employers offering the highest salaries include specialty practices such as orthodontics and oral surgery, where demand for advanced skills correlates with higher wages. Additionally, those with an EFDA credential or those who take on hybrid roles, like treatment coordinators, may see increased pay. To maximize earning potential in this market, dental assistants could consider pursuing further certifications, applying their skills in diverse roles, or seeking employment with established DSOs like Heartland or Pacific Dental that offer structured pay scales and career advancement opportunities.
More salary data for Jackson, 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 $42,258 for dental assistantsin the Jackson 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 Jackson 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