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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Dental Assistants salary in Kansas City, Missouri

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Kansas City metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$47,780
Mean annual$46,610
Range (10th to 90th)$35,740 to $58,440
Kansas City, Missouri employment2,830
State vs national+0.7% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Kansas City dental assistants fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$35,74025TH$38,610MEDIAN$47,78075TH$50,42090TH$58,440

The middle 50% of workers earn between $38,610 and $50,420, with a median of $47,780.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Postsecondary nondegree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Near Vision

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    3.9 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    3.8 / 5
  • Speech Recognition

    Ability

    3.8 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.

  2. 02

    Record treatment information in patient records.

  3. 03

    Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.

  4. 04

    Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.

  5. 05

    Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.

  6. 06

    Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.

  7. 07

    Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.

  8. 08

    Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.

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Other metros in Missouri

How the Kansas City metro compares to other major Missouri metro areas for dental assistants.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Dental Assistants in Kansas City, Missouri?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Assistants in the Kansas City metropolitan area is $47,780.
Does Kansas City pay more than the Missouri state average for Dental Assistants?
The Kansas City metro median is +5.7% versus the Missouri state median of $45,220.
How does Kansas City compare to the national median for Dental Assistants?
The Kansas City metro median is +0.7% versus the BLS national figure of $47,443.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Kansas City?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $35,740 and the 90th-percentile at $58,440 for the Kansas City metro area.
What education is required for Dental Assistants?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Kansas City CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.