Entry-Level Dental Assistant Salary in Cody, WY: $37,516 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dental assistants entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,516 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,161 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,660) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cody, Wyoming, new dental assistant graduates can expect a starting salary averaging around $37,516 in 2026, which is notably below the median annual salary of $45,660 for all dental assistants in the city. This gap highlights the realities faced by entry-level professionals as they begin their careers. As early-career dental assistants develop their skills and gain experience, they can aim for salaries that progress to the $43,086 mark at the 25th percentile and potentially reach the city median within their first three to five years of work. Given the overall economic environment in Cody, which features a cost of living index of 95.8, the entry-level dental assistant salary in the area remains competitive and presents a viable opportunity for new graduates entering the workforce.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cody
Entry-level dental assistants in Cody, WY typically start between $37,516 and $43,086 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,757 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,660 — 7.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average dental assisting program cost in Wyoming of $6,000 represents just 15.99% of the starting dental assistant pay ($37,516/year) in Cody. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ADA CODA-accredited dental assisting program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type and program length (certificate vs. associate).
DA, CDA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level dental assistant pay ranges from $37,516 to $43,086, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the dental assisting field — employers in WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cody, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Dental Assistant Compensation Range
The dental assistant wage spread in Cody is $16,757 ( 44.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,516, experienced hygienists can earn up to $54,273.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,410
2025 BLS Actual
$36,374
2026 Current Est.
$37,516
2019–2027 Growth
+41.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,351 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,978 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,748 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,374 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,516 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,694 | Projected |
Entry-level dental assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 32.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,410 in 2019 to $36,374 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,694. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your dental assisting Career in Cody
Job opportunities in Cody for entry-level dental assistants are available primarily through various employers, including corporate dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland, Aspen, and Pacific Dental, which are known for hiring new graduates and providing on-the-job training and competitive pay structures. Local general and pediatric dental practices also offer positions for fresh entrants to the field, although oral surgery offices typically prefer experienced dental assistants. To boost starting pay, aspiring dental assistants in Wyoming should consider obtaining credentials such as a DANB Certified Dental Assistant certification, engaging in a DANB-accredited training program, and acquiring any necessary state registrations. Over the first few years, as DSOs continue to standardize training and pay scales amid industry consolidation, entry-level professionals can expect realistic salary growth opportunities as they enhance their skills and credentials, paving the way for further advancements within this essential healthcare career.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new dental assisting graduates. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov