Dental Assistant Salary in Topeka, KS: $35,283 (2026)

Dental Assistant Pay in Topeka: What to Expect (2026)

Topeka offers a median dental assistant salary of $35,283, which is $1,701 below the Kansas state average of $36,984. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $35,283 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,510 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for dental assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental assistants in Topeka spans from $24,900 at the 10th percentile to $49,800 at the 90th percentile — a $24,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,730, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,140. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $25,730, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,140 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$25,730

$-5,270 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$35,690

$-7,310 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$48,140

$-9,860 vs national

Percentile	Topeka	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$24,900	$26,100	$30,000
25th Percentile	$29,050	$30,450	$35,000
Median (50th)	$35,283	$36,984	$42,510
75th Percentile	$43,160	$45,240	$52,000
90th Percentile	$49,800	$52,200	$60,000

Percentile

Topeka

10th Percentile

$24,900

25th Percentile

$29,050

Median (50th)

$35,283

75th Percentile

$43,160

90th Percentile

$49,800

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Topeka

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Topeka and the surrounding Kansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Topeka may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Topeka

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Topeka, KS? ▼

The median dental assistant salary in Topeka, Kansas is $35,283 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $24,900 (10th percentile) to $49,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Topeka? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $35,283, a dental assistant in Topeka earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for dental assistant pay? ▼

Topeka's median dental assistant salary of $35,283 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $36,984. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼

Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $35,283 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Topeka? ▼

Most dental assistant positions in Topeka require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Dental Assistant Salary in Topeka, Kansas