Bartlesville vs Oklahoma City: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Bartlesville, OK and Oklahoma City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bartlesville, OK | Oklahoma City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,241 | $47,702▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.79 | $22.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,580 | $37,430▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,573▲ | $38,069 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,396▲ | $49,724 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,287 | $61,100▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,820▲ |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bartlesville.
The salary gap between Bartlesville and Oklahoma City is $4,461 (10.32%). Oklahoma City's median is -3.79% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bartlesville spans $22,707,Oklahoma City spans $23,670. Oklahoma City 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, Oklahoma City ($52,763 effective) pays 8.48% more than Bartlesville ($48,640 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bartlesville if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,702/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,100)
- ✓Larger job market (1,820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,763)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Bartlesville grew 26.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in Oklahoma City over the same period.
Bartlesville, OK
$33,142 (2024) → $41,925 (2025)
Oklahoma City, OK
$37,620 (2019) → $46,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bartlesville, OK
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Bartlesville or Oklahoma City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bartlesville and Oklahoma City?
Should I relocate from Bartlesville to Oklahoma City as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Bartlesville vs Oklahoma City?
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