Average Dental Assistants Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
The average salary for a Dental Assistants in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $46,080. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,880.
- Outlook: The current demand for Dental Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 190 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN economy.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earns-5.5%below the national average.
$22.2
$886
$3,840
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Dental Assistants salaries in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 27.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
The earning potential for Dental Assistantss in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $37,400, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $56,880.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $37,400 | $18 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $34,560 | $16.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $48,010 | $23.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $57,600 | $27.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $56,880 | $27.3 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $46,080 to $46,080.
Job Market Context
190
Total Jobs
1.853
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN has 0.76x 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.
190 people work as Dental Assistants in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN.
1.853 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Dental Assistants positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kokomo, IN Dental Assistants Salary | $49,080↑ 7% | 39 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $48,950↑ 6% | 50 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $46,420↑ 1% | 50 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $47,860↑ 4% | 50 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Dental Assistants Salary | $50,880↑ 10% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $46,080. This typically ranges from $37,400 for entry-level positions to $56,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 5.5% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place for Dental Assistantss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Dental Assistants salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $46,080 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kokomo, IN ($49,080) and Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 190 employees in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area with a job density of 1.853 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN