Dental Assistant Salary in Kentucky
Based on 5K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$47,730
$22.95/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-2.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $62K
5K employed in Kentucky
The median Dental Assistant salary in Kentucky is $47,730 annually, which translates to approximately $23 per hour. This figure is 2.8% lower than the national average for this profession. Currently, there are an estimated 4,530 dental assistants employed across the state, indicating a stable job market.
Several factors can influence a Dental Assistant salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, the specific dental practice's location and size, and any additional certifications or specializations held by the assistant. While the typical salary range falls between $35,600 and $62,050, experienced professionals in high-demand areas may command higher compensation.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,600 |
| 25th percentile | $42,400 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,730 |
| 75th percentile | $56,760 |
| 90th percentile | $62,050 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Assistants in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $71,800 | 50 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $55,270 | 6K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $54,260 | — |
| Manufacturing | $52,290 | 130 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,020 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Assistant in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,730 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,162 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,730 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,162 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $42,400 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,730 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $56,760 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $62,050 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Dental Assistant ($47,730 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +1069.5% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +629.0% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +564.4% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +486.6% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +421.1% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +406.0% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +398.2% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +366.2% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +321.7% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +268.1% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +254.9% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +239.7% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Dental Assistant in Kentucky?
- The median Dental Assistant salary in Kentucky is $47,730 per year. This means that half of all dental assistants in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the hourly wage for a Dental Assistant in Kentucky?
- On average, Dental Assistants in Kentucky earn about $23 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the annual median salary of $47,730.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Kentucky?
- The salary range for Dental Assistants in Kentucky generally falls between $35,600 and $62,050 per year. This indicates the typical earnings for entry-level to experienced professionals in the field.
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
- The Dental Assistant salary in Kentucky is 2.8% lower than the national average. This means that, on average, dental assistants in Kentucky earn slightly less than their counterparts across the United States.