Dental Assistant Salary in Rawlins, WY: $45,016 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Rawlins, WY earns a median $45,016/year (≈ $21.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Rawlins's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $46,990 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Wyoming state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Rawlins, Wyoming, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $45,016, presenting a competitive option compared to national trends. The local salary range spans from $35,689 at the lower end to $56,629 for those at the top of the pay scale. This data, derived from estimated projections based on 2025 BLS state-level figures and regional price parities, reflects the need for specialized skills in oral surgery or orthodontics, which are key drivers of higher pay in the dental profession. As healthcare continues to evolve in Rawlins, the demand for qualified dental assistants remains steady, making it an appealing career choice for those entering the field.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,689 | $17.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,676 | $20.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,016 | $21.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,450 | $24.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,629 | $27.23 |
Median Salary Position
9.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rawlins
In Rawlins, WY, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,940 (2026 est.). At $45,016, the local median is 9.2% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rawlins: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rawlins Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Rawlins median: $45,016/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rawlins Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $47,486 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -9.20% less |
Dental Assistants in Rawlins, WY earn a median of $45,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.20% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.20% below the Wyoming state average of $47,486.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rawlins 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.
Rawlins, WY has a cost-of-living index of 95.8 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $45,016 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,990 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.39% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,391
2025 BLS Actual
$43,646
2026 Current Est.
$45,016
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,391 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,390 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,102 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,695 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,257 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,951 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,646 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,016 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,430 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rawlins metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $36,391 (2019) to $43,646 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,430 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,039 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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) | $35,689 – $41,676 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,676 – $45,016 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,016 – $51,450 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,450 – $56,629 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Rawlins
With only four dental assistants currently employed in the area, the job market in Rawlins is relatively small but stable. The Cost of Living Index stands at 95.8, indicating that the area is less expensive than many parts of the country, enhancing the real purchasing power of dental assistant pay in Rawlins, WY. Most competitive salaries can be found in specialized practices such as oral surgery and orthodontics, as well as within DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, which tend to offer structured pay scales. Factors contributing to salary variations include the presence of specialized credentials such as EFDA and roles that combine additional responsibilities, such as treatment coordinators. For those pursuing a higher salary, focusing on specialized training and potentially transitioning into roles that incorporate more responsibilities will be beneficial, given the industry’s trend towards cross-functional positions.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dental assistants make $100K in Rawlins?
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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 $43,646 for dental assistantsin the Rawlins 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 Rawlins 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