Healthcare Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Dental Assistant Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median dental assistant salary in Kearney, NE is $36,559 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$36,559
vs State Avg
$-1,700
vs National
$-5,951
Cost of Living
86%

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

Kearney offers a median dental assistant salary of $36,559, which is $1,700 below the Nebraska state average of $38,259. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Kearney pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kearney's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $36,559 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,510 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for dental assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental assistants in Kearney spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $51,600 at the 90th percentile — a $25,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,660, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,880. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Assistant Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, 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 Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
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 Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$39,534
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$39,109
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$38,259
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$35,708
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Kearney

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Kearney

Browse open dental assistant positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Kearney

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Kearney, Nebraska 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 Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,559, a dental assistant in Kearney earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Kearney's median dental assistant salary of $36,559 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $38,259. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼
Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $36,559 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Kearney? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Kearney 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.