Dental Assistant Pay

Atlanta vs Evans: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Atlanta, GA and Evans, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$48,692
$23.41/hr
Evans, GA
$43,963
$21.13/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAEvans, GA
Median Salary$48,692$43,963
Hourly Rate$23.41$21.13
Entry Level (P10)$38,987$36,798
25th Percentile$47,125$42,300
75th Percentile$57,841$51,558
Top Earner (P90)$59,594$53,651
Total Employed6,7007
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($48,692) and Evans ($43,963) dental assistant salaries.AtlantaEvansMedian Salary$48,692$43,963Entry Level (P10)$38,987$36,798Top Earner (P90)$59,594$53,651US Median $49,579

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Evans.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Evans is $4,729 (10.76%). Atlanta's median is -1.79% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $20,607,Evans spans $16,853. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$38,987
P25$47,125
Median$48,692
P75$57,841
P90 (Top)$59,594
Evans
P10 (Entry)$36,798
P25$42,300
Median$43,963
P75$51,558
P90 (Top)$53,651

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($48,664 effective) pays 3.05% more than Evans ($47,221 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $48,692
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $48,664
Evans
Nominal: $43,963
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $47,221

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,692/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,594)
  • Larger job market (6,700 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,664)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Evans if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Atlanta grew 11.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Evans over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+11.3%

$42,420 (2019) → $47,210 (2025)

Evans, GA

+12.4%

$37,927 (2024) → $42,625 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Atlanta or Evans?

Atlanta has a higher median dental assistant salary at $48,692/year, compared to Evans at $43,963/year — a difference of $4,729 (10.76%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Evans?

Atlanta dental assistants earn $23.41/hr while Evans hygienists earn $21.13/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Evans as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Evans. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $48,664, Evans = $47,221), job availability (6,700 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Atlanta vs Evans?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $38,987 in Atlanta and $36,798 in Evans. The Atlanta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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