Auburn vs Rochester: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Auburn, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,993 | $50,312▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.59 | $24.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,919 | $40,400▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,059 | $47,578▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,785 | $57,727▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,922 | $61,750▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,020▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Rochester is $3,319 (7.06%). Rochester's median is +1.48% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $22,003,Rochester spans $21,350. Auburn 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, Rochester ($51,849 effective) pays 27.88% more than Auburn ($40,546 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,312/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,750)
- ✓Larger job market (1,020 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,849)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Auburn grew -10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.6% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Auburn, NY
$50,670 (2024) → $45,562 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$38,230 (2019) → $48,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Auburn or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Rochester as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Auburn vs Rochester?
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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