Dental Assistant Salary in Scottsbluff, NE: $43,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Scottsbluff, NE earns a median $43,535/year (≈ $20.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Scottsbluff's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $47,579 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, can expect a median annual salary of $43,535, reflecting the influence of expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) roles in the region. This competitive pay is accompanied by a salary range that spans from $34,289 at the 10th percentile to $51,708 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living conditions, which can heavily affect income levels. Scottsbluff's job market for dental assistants is relatively small, yet the presence of EFDA regulations creates opportunities for increased wages compared to other regions without such progressive roles.
About the Scottsbluff Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,289 | $16.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,697 | $20.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,535 | $20.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,397 | $24.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,708 | $24.86 |
Median Salary Position
12.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scottsbluff
In Scottsbluff, NE, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,419 (2026 est.). At $43,535, the local median is 12.19% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Scottsbluff: You'd be above the median
How Scottsbluff Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Scottsbluff median: $43,535/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Scottsbluff Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $45,349 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -12.19% less |
Dental Assistants in Scottsbluff, NE earn a median of $43,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.19% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.00% below the Nebraska state average of $45,349.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Scottsbluff has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Scottsbluff, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $43,535 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,579 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,194
2025 BLS Actual
$42,210
2026 Current Est.
$43,535
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Scottsbluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,194 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,947 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,356 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,867 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,902 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Scottsbluff metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $35,194 (2019) to $42,210 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,902 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,708 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scottsbluff 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,289 – $42,697 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,697 – $43,535 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,535 – $50,397 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,397 – $51,708 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Scottsbluff
With only four dental assistants employed in Scottsbluff, the local job market remains somewhat niche; however, the cost of living index at 91.5 suggests that take-home pay stretches further than in higher-cost areas. Generally, general dental practices and DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen are likely to offer the most substantial compensation packages. Factors influencing earnings include the specialty focus of the practice, with oral surgery and orthodontic settings typically providing higher pay than general dentistry. Furthermore, pursuing EFDA certification can significantly boost potential earnings by 25-40%. For those aiming to maximize their salary in this market, exploring roles that offer hybrid responsibilities—such as treatment coordination—or seeking mentorship positions can present lucrative avenues for career advancement in Scottsbluff, NE.
More salary data for Scottsbluff, NE:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $42,210 for dental assistantsin the Scottsbluff metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Scottsbluff 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