Charleston vs Sumter: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Charleston, SC and Sumter, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Sumter, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,580▲ | $46,929 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.32▲ | $22.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,845▲ | $37,667 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,507▲ | $38,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,223▲ | $48,115 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,172▲ | $52,663 |
| Total Employed | 1,050▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sumter.
The salary gap between Charleston and Sumter is $3,651 (7.78%). Charleston's median is +2.02% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $16,327,Sumter spans $14,996. Charleston 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, Sumter ($53,316 effective) pays 6.42% more than Charleston ($50,098 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,580/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,172)
- ✓Larger job market (1,050 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Sumter if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,316)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Charleston grew 10.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.8% growth in Sumter over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$44,310 (2019) → $49,040 (2025)
Sumter, SC
$36,740 (2019) → $45,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Sumter, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Charleston or Sumter?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Sumter?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Sumter as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Charleston vs Sumter?
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