Dental Assistant Pay

Anderson vs Greenville: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Anderson, SC and Greenville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Anderson, SC
$50,365
$24.22/hr
Greenville, SC
$49,229
$23.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnderson, SCGreenville, SC
Median Salary$50,365$49,229
Hourly Rate$24.22$23.67
Entry Level (P10)$40,136$40,895
25th Percentile$46,809$46,609
75th Percentile$59,356$50,528
Top Earner (P90)$61,941$56,304
Total Employed51,140
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Anderson ($50,365) and Greenville ($49,229) dental assistant salaries.AndersonGreenvilleMedian Salary$50,365$49,229Entry Level (P10)$40,136$40,895Top Earner (P90)$61,941$56,304US Median $49,579

Verdict

Anderson, SC offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenville.

The salary gap between Anderson and Greenville is $1,136 (2.31%). Anderson's median is +1.59% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anderson spans $21,805,Greenville spans $15,409. Anderson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Anderson
P10 (Entry)$40,136
P25$46,809
Median$50,365
P75$59,356
P90 (Top)$61,941
Greenville
P10 (Entry)$40,895
P25$46,609
Median$49,229
P75$50,528
P90 (Top)$56,304

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Anderson ($55,044 effective) pays 4.28% more than Greenville ($52,787 effective).

Anderson
Nominal: $50,365
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $55,044
Greenville
Nominal: $49,229
CoL Index: 93.26
Adjusted: $52,787

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Anderson if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,365/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($61,941)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,044)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Greenville if…

  • Larger job market (1,140 employed)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Anderson grew 34.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Greenville over the same period.

Anderson, SC

+34.4%

$36,321 (2024) → $48,832 (2025)

Greenville, SC

+35.5%

$35,230 (2019) → $47,730 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Anderson or Greenville?

Anderson has a higher median dental assistant salary at $50,365/year, compared to Greenville at $49,229/year — a difference of $1,136 (2.31%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Anderson and Greenville?

Anderson dental assistants earn $24.22/hr while Greenville hygienists earn $23.67/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Anderson to Greenville as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Anderson and Greenville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Anderson = $55,044, Greenville = $52,787), job availability (5 vs 1,140 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Anderson vs Greenville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $40,136 in Anderson and $40,895 in Greenville. The Greenville area offers higher starting salaries.
MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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