Dental Assistant salary in Omaha, NE-IA
Dental Assistants in the Omaha, NE-IA metro area earn a median of $48,020 a year ($23.09 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,150 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,570 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 3% higher than the Nebraska statewide median of $46,660. There are 2.3 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $48,260, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Omaha, NE-IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,720 | $19.10 |
| 25th percentile | $45,380 | $21.82 |
| Median | $48,020 | $23.09 |
| 75th percentile | $50,660 | $24.36 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,570 | $28.64 |
| Average (mean) | $48,260 | $23.20 |
Half of dental assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,001.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,000.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,846.92 |
| Weekly | $923.46 |
| Hourly | $23.09 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $48,020 salary, see how much house you can afford in Nebraska at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Dental Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $50,020 | 660 |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,230 | 280 |
| Ames, IA | $49,140 | 110 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $48,590 | 190 |
| Lincoln, NE | $48,440 | 580 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $48,310 | 370 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $47,970 | 170 |
| Dubuque, IA | $47,850 | 160 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $47,410 | 380 |
| Grand Island, NE | $46,910 | 100 |
Highest-paying states for dental assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $65,270 |
| District of Columbia | $60,580 |
| Maine | $60,070 |
| New Hampshire | $59,530 |
| Oregon | $59,490 |
| Washington | $58,090 |
| Massachusetts | $57,980 |
| North Dakota | $57,770 |
| Alaska | $57,710 |
| Connecticut | $56,850 |
See Dental Assistant pay in every state or the Nebraska statewide figures.
Related jobs in Omaha, NE-IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $48,010 | $23.08 |
| Phlebotomist | $39,540 | $19.01 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,840 | $17.71 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $39,430 | $18.96 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $35,760 | $17.19 |
| Massage Therapist | $51,950 | $24.98 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $44,450 | $21.37 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $46,870 | $22.53 |
| Nursing Assistant | $40,020 | $19.24 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $36,450 | $17.52 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $63,470 | $30.51 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $31,000 | $14.90 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $65,930 | $31.70 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | $39,950 | $19.21 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Omaha, NE-IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-9091. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make in Omaha, NE-IA?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Omaha, NE-IA metro area is $48,020 a year, or $23.09 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,570 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Omaha, NE-IA?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Omaha, NE-IA metro area earn at least $59,570 a year. The top 25% earn $50,660 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Omaha, NE-IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,720 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $45,380 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Omaha, NE-IA?
About 1,150 dental assistants are employed in the Omaha, NE-IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.