Augusta vs Sandy Springs: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Augusta, GA and Sandy Springs, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Sandy Springs, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,165 | $49,644▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.71 | $23.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,110 | $37,299▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,884 | $44,786▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,579 | $59,822▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,614 | $63,715▲ |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Sandy Springs, GA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Augusta and Sandy Springs is $4,479 (9.92%). Sandy Springs's median is +0.13% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $20,504,Sandy Springs spans $26,416. Sandy Springs 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, Sandy Springs ($53,323 effective) pays 8.50% more than Augusta ($49,144 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Sandy Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,644/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,715)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,323)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Augusta grew 11.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Sandy Springs over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$39,190 (2019) → $43,790 (2025)
Sandy Springs, GA
$40,266 (2024) → $48,133 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Sandy Springs, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Augusta or Sandy Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Sandy Springs?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Sandy Springs as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Augusta vs Sandy Springs?
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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