Healthcare Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Dental Assistant Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median dental assistant salary in Lake Charles, LA is $36,559 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$36,559
vs State Avg
$-2,125
vs National
$-5,951
Cost of Living
86%

Dental Assistant Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $26,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,660
$-4,340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,980
$-6,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $25,800
25th Percentile $30,100
Median (50th) $36,559
75th Percentile $44,720
90th Percentile $51,600

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$41,660
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$39,109
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$37,409
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$36,134
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Lake Charles

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open dental assistant positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $36,559 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $51,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,559, a dental assistant in Lake Charles earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median dental assistant salary of $36,559 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $38,684. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
Lake Charles has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $36,559 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Lake Charles? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Lake Charles 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.