Citrus Heights vs Los Angeles: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Citrus Heights, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Citrus Heights, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,691▲ | $48,373 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.33▲ | $23.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,266▲ | $39,245 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,133▲ | $46,609 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,105▲ | $52,189 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,898▲ | $60,749 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 21,090▲ |
Verdict
Citrus Heights, CA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Citrus Heights and Los Angeles is $4,318 (8.93%). Citrus Heights's median is +6.28% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Citrus Heights spans $27,632,Los Angeles spans $21,504. Citrus Heights 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, Citrus Heights ($46,588 effective) pays 9.38% 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 Citrus Heights if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,691/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,898)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,588)
- ✓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 Citrus Heights grew -16.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.9% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Citrus Heights, CA
$60,809 (2024) → $51,087 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$38,800 (2019) → $46,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Citrus Heights, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Citrus Heights or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Citrus Heights and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Citrus Heights to Los Angeles as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Citrus Heights vs 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