Akron vs Cincinnati: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Akron, OH and Cincinnati, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Akron, OH | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,744 | $51,147▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.92 | $24.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,162▲ | $39,028 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,908 | $48,146▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,005 | $62,379▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,941 | $79,851▲ |
| Total Employed | 740 | 2,440▲ |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Akron.
The salary gap between Akron and Cincinnati is $1,403 (2.82%). Cincinnati's median is +3.16% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Akron spans $33,779,Cincinnati spans $40,823. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($53,630 effective) pays 0.66% more than Akron ($53,276 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Akron if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,147/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,851)
- ✓Larger job market (2,440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,630)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Akron grew 22.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Cincinnati over the same period.
Akron, OH
$39,500 (2019) → $48,230 (2025)
Cincinnati, OH
$39,900 (2019) → $49,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Akron or Cincinnati?
What is the hourly rate difference between Akron and Cincinnati?
Should I relocate from Akron to Cincinnati as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Akron vs Cincinnati?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov