Healthcare Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Dental Assistant Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median dental assistant salary in Lafayette, LA is $37,409 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$37,409
vs State Avg
$-1,275
vs National
$-5,101
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median dental assistant salary of $37,409, which is $1,275 below the Louisiana state average of $38,684. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $37,409 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,510 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for dental assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental assistants in Lafayette spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $52,800 at the 90th percentile — a $26,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,280, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $51,040. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $27,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,280
$-3,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,840
$-5,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $30,800
Median (50th) $37,409
75th Percentile $45,760
90th Percentile $52,800

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$41,660
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$39,109
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$36,559
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$36,134
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Lafayette

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Lafayette and the surrounding Louisiana 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 Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open dental assistant positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $37,409 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $52,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,409, a dental assistant in Lafayette earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Lafayette's median dental assistant salary of $37,409 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $38,684. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $37,409 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Lafayette? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Lafayette 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.