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Average Dental Assistants Salary in Kansas nonmetropolitan area

Dental Assistants in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $36,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $48,760. The lower compensation in these regions is often attributed to factors such as a different economic landscape and potentially lower demand compared to urban centers.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,760 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,010.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 660 Dental Assistants, the Kansas nonmetropolitan area presents a stable, albeit not booming, job market. The Location Quotient of 0.72 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate level of demand that is met by the existing workforce.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,760

The average Dental Assistants in Kansas nonmetropolitan area earns-24.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.7

Weekly

$707

Monthly

$3,063

Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Kansas nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Dental Assistants in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Dental Assistants with specialized skills or extensive experience can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$30,370$14.6
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$27,570$13.3
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$35,640$17.1
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$45,950$22.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$45,010$21.6

Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,760

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,760

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $36,760 in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in this comparison.

Job Market Context

660

Total Jobs

1.758

Per 1K Jobs

0.72

Location Quotient

Below Average

Kansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.72x the national average concentration of Dental Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.72 for Dental Assistants in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while there is a presence of Dental Assistants, the market is not saturated, and there may be opportunities for skilled professionals, though perhaps not as abundant as in more concentrated areas.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants

Comparing salaries near Kansas nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Dental Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Assistants make in Kansas nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is $36,760. This typically ranges from $30,370 for entry-level positions to $45,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 24.6% lower than the national median of $48,760.

Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?

No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Dental Assistants.The average salary of $36,760 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the overall earning potential is diminished.

Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Dental Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Manhattan, KS ($41,690) and Topeka, KS.

How does the number of Dental Assistants in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas compare nationally?

With 660 Dental Assistants, the local workforce is a component of the broader national employment landscape for this role, with 1.758 jobs per 1,000 workers.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.72 mean for Dental Assistants in this region?

A Location Quotient of 0.72 signifies that Dental Assistants are employed at a rate 28% lower than the national average, indicating a less concentrated presence in the local job market.

How does the cost of living in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is identical to the national average, meaning the $36,760 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.

What is the job outlook for Dental Assistants in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas?

The outlook is stable, with a moderate concentration of roles (LQ 0.72) and a defined local workforce, suggesting consistent, though not rapidly expanding, employment opportunities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Kansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.758 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.