Healthcare Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in Kentucky

The median dental assistant salary in Kentucky is $36,984 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$36,984
vs National
$-5,526
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Dental Assistant Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $26,970, while experienced professionals earn up to $50,460 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,970
$-4,030 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,410
$-5,590 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$50,460
$-7,540 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $26,100
25th Percentile $30,450
Median (50th) $36,984
75th Percentile $45,240
90th Percentile $52,200

Dental Assistant Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Louisville, KY
$39,109
Pop. 633,045 · COL 92%
Lexington, KY
$39,534
Pop. 322,570 · COL 93%
Bowling Green, KY
$35,708
Pop. 74,735 · COL 84%
Owensboro, KY
$34,858
Pop. 60,183 · COL 82%
Covington, KY
$37,409
Pop. 40,961 · COL 88%

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Kentucky

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Kentucky has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in Kentucky

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Kentucky's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open dental assistant positions in Kentucky:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Kentucky? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Kentucky is $36,984 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $26,100 (10th percentile) to $52,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,984, a dental assistant in Kentucky earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for dental assistants? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $26,970, while senior professionals earn $50,460.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for dental assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. Kentucky's median of $36,984 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($36,984) and Kansas ($36,984).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level dental assistant in Kentucky earns approximately $26,970 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $37,410. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $50,460.
What city in Kentucky pays dental assistants the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for dental assistants, with a median salary of $39,534. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.