Baton Rouge vs Shreveport: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,207▲ | $40,173 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.22▲ | $19.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,172▲ | $32,180 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,914▲ | $37,605 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,733 | $47,991▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,064▲ | $49,817 |
| Total Employed | 950▲ | 410 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shreveport.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Shreveport is $6,034 (15.02%). Baton Rouge's median is -6.80% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $12,892,Shreveport spans $17,637. Shreveport 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, Baton Rouge ($50,900 effective) pays 7.40% more than Shreveport ($47,393 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,207/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,064)
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,900)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Baton Rouge grew 39.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.4% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$32,190 (2019) → $44,800 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$32,890 (2019) → $38,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Baton Rouge or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Shreveport as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Baton Rouge vs Shreveport?
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