Dental Assistant Salaries in Wyoming
Wyoming is famously the least populous state in the U.S., but this doesn’t mean there aren’t good opportunities for trained healthcare workers. Dental assistants are needed throughout the state to help dentists work with patients, conduct exams and procedures, and run offices efficiently and safely.
Growth in jobs for dental assistants is strong nationwide, and Wyoming is no exception. Statistics indicate that growth in the state is nearly 16 percent with 90 open positions expected each year at least through 2026.
This means that Dental Assistants in Wyoming will continue to be in high demand.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Dental Assistant in Wyoming, there is training available for you to do so. Dental Assisting programs are offered at many community colleges and technical schools across the state. Many of these programs can be completed in as little as one year, making dental assisting a great option for those looking to enter the workforce quickly.
Once you have completed your training, you will need to obtain a license from the Wyoming Board of Dentistry in order to practice as a Dental Assistant. The Board requires you to pass the National Board Dental Examination Part I and Part II, prior to licensing. You will also need to complete continuing education courses on an annual basis in order obtain and keep your license current.
The average annual salary for dental assistants is about $4,000 less than the national average. Those who earn the most in the state make an average of around $50,000.
| 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 |
| Wyoming | 2016 | 640 | 2026 | 740 | 100 | 15.6% | 90 |
| 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 |
| Wyoming | 580 | $17.82 | $37,070 | $27,050 | $31,790 | $36,670 | $41,610 | $49,640 |
Wyoming is a state with a very sparse population and no large cities. Cheyenne and Casper are the biggest population centers. Although they have the most jobs available for dental assistants, qualified professionals are needed throughout the state. The highest salaries are in Casper.
| Area | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casper, WY | 90 | $19.26 | $40,060 | $26,160 | $31,860 | $41,100 | $48,420 | $53,220 |
| Cheyenne, WY | 90 | $16.82 | $34,980 | $24,780 | $33,260 | $36,350 | $39,170 | $41,200 |
When compared to other assistant healthcare careers, average salaries for dental assistants in Wyoming fall in the middle. They earn more than medical and nursing assistants but less than pharmacy techs and physical therapist assistants in the state.
| Occupation | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technicians | 570 | $18.26 | $37,980 | $28,480 | $32,950 | $37,770 | $43,490 | $48,500 |
| Nursing Assistants | 3200 | $15.35 | $31,930 | $25,830 | $27,770 | $30,950 | $35,810 | $40,300 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 170 | $28.26 | $58,770 | $44,240 | $50,290 | $57,590 | $66,240 | $78,370 |
| Dental Assistants | 580 | $17.82 | $37,070 | $27,050 | $31,790 | $36,670 | $41,610 | $49,640 |
| Medical Assistants | 860 | $16.44 | $34,190 | $25,450 | $28,800 | $33,770 | $38,880 | $45,170 |