Bowling Green vs Murray: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Bowling Green, KY and Murray, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, KY | Murray, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,413▲ | $44,934 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.79▲ | $21.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,584 | $38,627▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,691▲ | $43,642 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,811▲ | $53,276 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,307▲ | $55,404 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Bowling Green, KY offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Murray.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Murray is $2,479 (5.52%). Bowling Green's median is -4.37% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $25,723,Murray spans $16,777. Bowling Green 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, Bowling Green ($52,577 effective) pays 4.49% more than Murray ($50,318 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,413/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,307)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,577)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Murray if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Bowling Green grew 34.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.3% growth in Murray over the same period.
Bowling Green, KY
$34,080 (2019) → $45,970 (2025)
Murray, KY
$31,738 (2024) → $43,566 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, KY
Murray, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Bowling Green or Murray?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Murray?
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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