Cleveland vs Fairfield: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Cleveland, OH and Fairfield, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Fairfield, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,301▲ | $45,983 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.70▲ | $22.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,213▲ | $37,887 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,453 | $43,691▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,521▲ | $53,425 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,073▲ | $59,584 |
| Total Employed | 2,540▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairfield.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Fairfield is $3,318 (7.22%). Cleveland's median is -0.56% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $52,860,Fairfield spans $21,697. Cleveland 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, Cleveland ($52,491 effective) pays 3.54% more than Fairfield ($50,698 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,301/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,073)
- ✓Larger job market (2,540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,491)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Fairfield if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Cleveland grew 20.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Fairfield over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$39,800 (2019) → $47,800 (2025)
Fairfield, OH
$36,586 (2024) → $44,583 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Fairfield, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Cleveland or Fairfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Fairfield?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Fairfield as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Cleveland vs Fairfield?
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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