Dental Assistant Salaries in Nebraska
More than two million people call the plains of Nebraska home. With a population and an economy that are both enjoying slow, steady growth, Nebraska offers ample opportunities to men and women seeking employment in the healthcare and dental care industries, including those who plan to pursue a career as a dental assistant.
Between 2016 and 2026, the number of job openings for dental assistants in Nebraska is projected to increase by 15.8 percent. This is somewhat lower than the expected growth rate in job opportunities for the nation as a whole, but still healthy in comparison to most other employment categories.
One of the most important things to consider when looking at dental assistant salary in Nebraska is education and training requirements. In order to become a dental assistant in Nebraska, an individual must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. There are no specific training requirements for dental assistants in Nebraska, but many employers prefer to hire individuals who have completed some form of postsecondary education. There are several community colleges and vocational schools in Nebraska that offer dental assisting programs. These programs typically last between nine and twelve months and include both classroom and clinical instruction. Many dental assistants in Nebraska also choose to pursue voluntary certification through the Dental Assisting National Board.
The compensation for dental assistants working in Nebraska is right in line with average salaries for dental assistants nationwide. Nebraska’s cost of living is below the national average, however, which gives it a competitive advantage in comparison to many other states.
The specific dental assistant salary in Nebraska will, of course, vary depending on the level of experience and education an individual has. However, as a whole, the state offers a fairly competitive wage when compared to other places in the country.
| 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 |
| Nebraska | 2016 | 2,200 | 2026 | 2,550 | 350 | 15.9% | 290 |
| 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 |
| Nebraska | 2,180 | $19.24 | $40,010 | $29,210 | $33,510 | $37,770 | $44,530 | $54,130 |
Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city and primary employer of dental assistants. Wages here are approximately equal to the state average and higher than the salaries earned by dental assistants who work in Lincoln, which is the state’s second-largest city. The top wage earners among dental assistants in the state live and work in the greater Sioux City (IA) metropolitan area, which includes Dakota and Dixon counties in Nebraska.
| Area | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE | 80 | $16.56 | $34,450 | $27,890 | $30,630 | $34,500 | $38,490 | $41,860 |
| Lincoln, NE | 360 | $17.55 | $36,500 | $29,600 | $33,410 | $36,400 | $39,490 | $42,580 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 1070 | $19.46 | $40,490 | $29,860 | $34,220 | $38,820 | $46,670 | $53,960 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | 210 | $21.00 | $43,680 | $34,330 | $37,710 | $42,830 | $48,900 | $56,670 |
Wages for dental assistants in Nebraska are higher than the salaries of medical assistants, nursing assistants or pharmacy technicians. Physical therapists do earn more than dental assistants, but the gap in pay is smaller in Nebraska than it is in most locations.
| Occupation | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technicians | 2510 | $16.47 | $34,260 | $26,130 | $29,210 | $33,910 | $38,630 | $45,010 |
| Nursing Assistants | 13720 | $14.38 | $29,920 | $23,550 | $26,410 | $29,180 | $32,280 | $37,810 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 650 | $23.79 | $49,480 | $30,710 | $41,220 | $50,420 | $59,730 | $65,630 |
| Dental Assistants | 2180 | $19.24 | $40,010 | $29,210 | $33,510 | $37,770 | $44,530 | $54,130 |
| Medical Assistants | 2810 | $16.90 | $35,140 | $26,050 | $28,850 | $33,760 | $39,990 | $48,520 |