Athens vs Savannah: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Athens, GA and Savannah, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Savannah, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,351 | $47,145▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.80 | $22.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,564 | $38,389▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,482 | $39,554▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,012 | $49,198▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,645 | $60,358▲ |
| Total Employed | 160 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Savannah, GA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Savannah is $1,794 (3.96%). Savannah's median is -4.91% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $20,081,Savannah spans $21,969. Savannah 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, Savannah ($49,519 effective) pays 1.92% more than Athens ($48,585 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Savannah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,145/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,358)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,519)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Athens grew 5.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Savannah over the same period.
Athens, GA
$41,680 (2019) → $43,970 (2025)
Savannah, GA
$35,220 (2019) → $45,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Savannah, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Athens or Savannah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Savannah?
Should I relocate from Athens to Savannah as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Athens vs Savannah?
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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