Chico vs Los Angeles: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Chico, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,683▲ | $48,373 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.89▲ | $23.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,771▲ | $39,245 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,115▲ | $46,609 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,502▲ | $52,189 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,874▲ | $60,749 |
| Total Employed | 290 | 21,090▲ |
Verdict
Chico, CA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Chico and Los Angeles is $1,310 (2.71%). Chico's median is +0.21% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $23,103,Los Angeles spans $21,504. Chico 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, Chico ($49,095 effective) pays 15.26% more than Los Angeles ($42,595 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,683/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,874)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,095)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (21,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Chico grew 11.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.9% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Chico, CA
$43,060 (2019) → $48,170 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$38,800 (2019) → $46,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Chico or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chico and Los Angeles?
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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