Dental Assistant Salaries in Kansas
Healthcare careers are on the rise across the country. As the population grows and ages at the same time, all types of healthcare workers are needed. Dentists in Kansas are on the lookout for qualified assistants to help with patients, administrative tasks, and assistance during exams and procedures.
While growth in many other states is higher, dental assistant positions are still growing at a steady rate in Kansas. Expect to see over 300 open jobs for qualified professionals each year at least through 2026.
Dental assistants in Kansas are employed in a variety of settings, including dental offices, clinics, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Some dental assistants may also be self-employed. Many dental assistants work full time, but some work part time. Some dental assistants work evenings and weekends to accommodate patients’ schedules.
The average salary for Kansas dental assistants is about $4,000 lower than the national average. Earning potential increases depending on location, employer and years of experience. The top ten percent of dental assistants in Kansas make more than $50,000 annually.
| AreaName | Base Year | Employed | Projection Year | Projected Employment | Change | % Change | Projected Average Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2018 | 346,000 | 2026 | 384,700 | 38,700 | 19.5% | 44,800 |
| Kansas | 2016 | 2,900 | 2026 | 2,940 | 40 | 1.4% | 320 |
| State | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | 351,470 | $19.79 | $41,170 | $27,980 | $33,440 | $40,080 | $48,550 | $56,930 |
| Kansas | 2,970 | $18.19 | $37,830 | $26,770 | $31,500 | $37,310 | $44,370 | $50,630 |
The metro area with the greatest number of employed dental assistants includes Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri. The highest salaries, however, are found in the Lawrence area and the lowest in and around Wichita.
| Area | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 2110 | $19.10 | $39,730 | $27,090 | $30,760 | $40,420 | $47,770 | $53,680 |
| Lawrence, KS | 140 | $20.88 | $43,430 | $32,200 | $36,890 | $43,890 | $49,320 | $55,940 |
| Manhattan, KS | 90 | $18.83 | $39,160 | $26,820 | $32,400 | $37,650 | $45,390 | $55,600 |
| Topeka, KS | 190 | $17.92 | $37,280 | $29,850 | $33,480 | $36,800 | $40,000 | $45,470 |
| Wichita, KS | 740 | $17.34 | $36,080 | $26,960 | $30,770 | $35,660 | $41,130 | $48,190 |
Dental assistant salaries in Kansas are higher than those for all other healthcare assistant careers except for physical therapist assistants, who can earn as much as $12,000 more per year. Dental assistants in the state earn more than medical and nursing assistants and pharmacy techs on average.
| Occupation | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technicians | 4220 | $16.54 | $34,390 | $25,120 | $28,810 | $33,940 | $38,690 | $46,370 |
| Nursing Assistants | 21840 | $13.12 | $27,280 | $21,550 | $23,930 | $27,080 | $30,240 | $33,400 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 1240 | $28.64 | $59,570 | $43,950 | $50,340 | $58,390 | $67,320 | $78,940 |
| Dental Assistants | 2970 | $18.19 | $37,830 | $26,770 | $31,500 | $37,310 | $44,370 | $50,630 |
| Medical Assistants | 5220 | $15.12 | $31,450 | $23,350 | $26,940 | $30,800 | $36,130 | $40,000 |