Citrus Heights vs Riverside: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Citrus Heights, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Citrus Heights, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,691▲ | $50,023 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.33▲ | $24.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,266 | $41,473▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,133 | $48,455▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,105▲ | $58,697 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,898▲ | $60,430 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 5,240▲ |
Verdict
Citrus Heights, CA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Citrus Heights and Riverside is $2,668 (5.33%). 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,Riverside spans $18,957. 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, Riverside ($46,996 effective) pays 0.87% more than Citrus Heights ($46,588 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)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,996)
- ✓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 33.6% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Citrus Heights, CA
$60,809 (2024) → $51,087 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$36,290 (2019) → $48,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Citrus Heights, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Citrus Heights or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Citrus Heights and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Citrus Heights to Riverside as a dental assistant?
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Related Comparisons
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