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 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.