Dental Assistant salary in Lincoln, NE
Dental Assistants in the Lincoln, NE metro area earn a median of $48,440 a year ($23.29 an hour), based on BLS data for 580 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,970 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,560 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 4% higher than the Nebraska statewide median of $46,660. There are 3.2 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $47,950, close to the median.
Pay range for dental assistants in Lincoln, NE
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,970 | $18.74 |
| 25th percentile | $46,360 | $22.29 |
| Median | $48,440 | $23.29 |
| 75th percentile | $49,790 | $23.94 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $57,560 | $27.67 |
| Average (mean) | $47,950 | $23.05 |
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 | $4,036.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,018.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,863.08 |
| Weekly | $931.54 |
| Hourly | $23.29 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $48,440 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $48,590 | 190 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $48,020 | 1,150 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $47,190 | $22.69 |
| Phlebotomist | $39,090 | $18.80 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,870 | $17.73 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $38,560 | $18.54 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $41,410 | $19.91 |
| Massage Therapist | $65,860 | $31.67 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $32,610 | $15.68 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,650 | $18.58 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $35,500 | $17.07 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $58,650 | $28.20 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $28,080 | $13.50 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $63,180 | $30.38 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Lincoln, NE
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 Lincoln, NE?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Lincoln, NE metro area is $48,440 a year, or $23.29 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,970 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,560 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Lincoln, NE?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Lincoln, NE metro area earn at least $57,560 a year. The top 25% earn $49,790 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Lincoln, NE?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,970 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $46,360 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Lincoln, NE?
About 580 dental assistants are employed in the Lincoln, NE metro area, not counting the self-employed.