SalaryNode

Average Dental Assistants Salary in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA

Dental Assistants in the Shreveport-Bossier City, LA area earn an average annual salary of $40,650. This figure is notably below the national average of $48,760, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as regional demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation levels within this specific metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,650 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,040.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 400 Dental Assistants and a Location Quotient of 1.03, the job market in Shreveport-Bossier City indicates a demand that closely mirrors the national average. This concentration suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for dental professionals in the region, offering consistent opportunities for those in the field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,650

The average Dental Assistants in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA earns-16.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.5

Weekly

$782

Monthly

$3,388

Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA

The salary trajectory for Dental Assistants in Shreveport-Bossier City, as in most markets, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight clear opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential within the dental field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$28,740$13.8
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$30,488$14.7
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$37,270$17.9
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$50,813$24.4
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$59,040$28.4

Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,650

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,650

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $40,650 in Shreveport-Bossier City aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, indicating that while the nominal pay is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services does not present a significant disadvantage.

Job Market Context

400

Total Jobs

2.506

Per 1K Jobs

1.03

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.03, Shreveport-Bossier City, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Assistants roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.03 for Dental Assistants in Shreveport-Bossier City signifies a job market concentration that is only slightly above the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-represented and in demand, it is not disproportionately concentrated compared to other areas, implying a healthy but not overly saturated job market with a steady need for qualified professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants

Comparing salaries near Shreveport-Bossier City, LA

Hiring Dental Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Assistants make in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA?

The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA is $40,650. This typically ranges from $28,740 for entry-level positions to $59,040 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA is 16.6% lower than the national median of $48,760.

Is Shreveport-Bossier City, LA a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $40,650 is below the national average of $48,760, though the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates that while expenses are manageable, the earning potential is somewhat limited in this region.

Is Shreveport-Bossier City, LA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Shreveport-Bossier City, LA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Longview, TX ($37,040) and Texarkana, TX-AR.

How does the number of Dental Assistants in Shreveport-Bossier City compare to the national average?

With 2.506 Dental Assistants per 1,000 workers, the concentration is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable presence of the profession in the local workforce.

What is the typical salary range for Dental Assistants in Shreveport-Bossier City?

While the average is $40,650, entry-level positions may start lower, and experienced Dental Assistants can earn significantly more, potentially reaching into the $50,000s or higher depending on skills and employer.

Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a Dental Assistant's salary in Shreveport-Bossier City?

No, the cost of living index being exactly 100 means the $40,650 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.

How competitive is the job market for Dental Assistants in Shreveport-Bossier City?

With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the market is only slightly more concentrated than the national average, suggesting a balanced level of competition and opportunity for job seekers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Shreveport-Bossier City, LA area with a job density of 2.506 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.