Dental Assistant Salary in Laramie, WY: $46,944 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Laramie, WY earns a median $46,944/year (≈ $22.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Laramie's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $49,002 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Wyoming state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Laramie, Wyoming, can anticipate a median annual salary of $46,944, which reflects the local market's unique dynamics compared to the national average. The salary ranges from $36,889 at the 10th percentile to $57,354 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a variety of compensation opportunities anchored in the local economy. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to account for regional cost adjustments and growth trends. With a specialized focus on services such as oral surgery and orthodontics, local practices may offer higher compensation levels, underscoring the demand for skilled professionals in these niches. As Laramie's dental market grows, assistants looking to capitalize on salary potential should consider the implications of specialty training and credentialing.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,889 | $17.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,392 | $20.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,944 | $22.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,093 | $26.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,354 | $27.57 |
Median Salary Position
5.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laramie
In Laramie, WY, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,465 (2026 est.). At $46,944, the local median is 5.31% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laramie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laramie Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Laramie median: $46,944/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laramie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $47,514 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -5.31% less |
Dental Assistants in Laramie, WY earn a median of $46,944 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.31% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.20% below the Wyoming state average of $47,514.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laramie 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.
Laramie, WY has a cost-of-living index of 95.8 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $46,944 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,002 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.38% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,950
2025 BLS Actual
$45,515
2026 Current Est.
$46,944
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,991 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,605 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,438 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,066 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,661 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,515 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,944 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,418 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laramie metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $37,950 (2019) to $45,515 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,418 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,468 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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) | $36,889 – $43,392 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,392 – $46,944 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,944 – $55,093 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,093 – $57,354 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Laramie
The local job market for dental assistants in Laramie is relatively compact, with only nine individuals currently employed in this role, which can create both opportunities and challenges. With a cost-of-living index of 95.8, dental assistants may find their purchasing power affected; salaries, while competitive within the local context, still trail the national median figures. Typically, specialists in orthodontic and oral surgery practices tend to offer the highest compensation, followed by pediatric and general practices. The significant variability in dental assistant pay in Laramie is influenced by additional certifications like the EFDA, which can yield a 25-40% premium, and roles that overlap with treatment coordination or mentorship, often seen in larger DSO chains. To maximize earning potential, dental assistants can pursue expanded functions, seek employment in specialty practices, or consider transitioning into leadership roles within their clinics.
More salary data for Laramie, 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 $45,515 for dental assistantsin the Laramie 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 Laramie 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