Dental Assistant Pay

Avon vs Indianapolis: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Avon, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Avon, IN
$46,792
$22.49/hr
Indianapolis, IN
$50,508
$24.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAvon, INIndianapolis, IN
Median Salary$46,792$50,508
Hourly Rate$22.49$24.28
Entry Level (P10)$36,636$38,832
25th Percentile$45,733$48,981
75th Percentile$55,748$59,852
Top Earner (P90)$58,131$61,420
Total Employed52,200
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Avon ($46,792) and Indianapolis ($50,508) dental assistant salaries.AvonIndianapolisMedian Salary$46,792$50,508Entry Level (P10)$36,636$38,832Top Earner (P90)$58,131$61,420US Median $49,579

Verdict

Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Avon.

The salary gap between Avon and Indianapolis is $3,716 (7.94%). Indianapolis's median is +1.87% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Avon spans $21,495,Indianapolis spans $22,588. Indianapolis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.

Avon
P10 (Entry)$36,636
P25$45,733
Median$46,792
P75$55,748
P90 (Top)$58,131
Indianapolis
P10 (Entry)$38,832
P25$48,981
Median$50,508
P75$59,852
P90 (Top)$61,420

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Indianapolis ($52,780 effective) pays 2.98% more than Avon ($51,251 effective).

Avon
Nominal: $46,792
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $51,251
Indianapolis
Nominal: $50,508
CoL Index: 95.696
Adjusted: $52,780

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Avon if…

  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose Indianapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,508/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($61,420)
  • Larger job market (2,200 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,780)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Avon grew 25.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.

Avon, IN

+25.9%

$36,044 (2024) → $45,367 (2025)

Indianapolis, IN

+13.0%

$43,330 (2019) → $48,970 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Avon or Indianapolis?

Indianapolis has a higher median dental assistant salary at $50,508/year, compared to Avon at $46,792/year — a difference of $3,716 (7.94%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Avon and Indianapolis?

Avon dental assistants earn $22.49/hr while Indianapolis hygienists earn $24.28/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Avon to Indianapolis as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Avon and Indianapolis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Avon = $51,251, Indianapolis = $52,780), job availability (5 vs 2,200 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Avon vs Indianapolis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $36,636 in Avon and $38,832 in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis 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