Charlottesville vs Roanoke: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,454 | $46,588▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.33 | $22.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,781▲ | $37,254 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,256▲ | $37,956 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,631▲ | $49,064 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,821▲ | $57,820 |
| Total Employed | 280 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlottesville.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Roanoke is $134 (0.29%). Roanoke's median is -6.03% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $21,040,Roanoke spans $20,566. Charlottesville 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, Roanoke ($49,764 effective) pays 6.21% more than Charlottesville ($46,854 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,821)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,588/year)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,764)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Charlottesville grew 22.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$36,770 (2019) → $45,040 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$38,710 (2019) → $45,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Charlottesville or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Roanoke as a dental assistant?
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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