Anderson vs Fort Wayne: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Anderson, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anderson, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,657 | $50,198▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.39 | $24.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,720 | $39,162▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,370 | $48,631▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,119 | $60,997▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,851▲ | $62,750 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 630▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Anderson.
The salary gap between Anderson and Fort Wayne is $1,541 (3.17%). Fort Wayne's median is +1.25% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anderson spans $26,131,Fort Wayne spans $23,588. Anderson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($54,226 effective) pays 1.75% more than Anderson ($53,294 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anderson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,851)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,198/year)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,226)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Anderson grew 25.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Anderson, IN
$37,481 (2024) → $47,176 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$39,250 (2019) → $48,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anderson, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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