Cleveland vs Kettering: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Cleveland, OH and Kettering, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Kettering, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,301 | $49,562▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.70 | $23.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,213 | $39,174▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,453 | $46,165▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,521▲ | $61,190 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,073▲ | $65,978 |
| Total Employed | 2,540▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Cleveland and Kettering are closely matched on overall dental assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Kettering is $261 (0.53%). Kettering's median is -0.03% 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,Kettering spans $26,804. 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, Kettering ($54,644 effective) pays 4.10% more than Cleveland ($52,491 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,073)
- ✓Larger job market (2,540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Kettering if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,562/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,644)
- ✓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 29.2% growth in Kettering over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$39,800 (2019) → $47,800 (2025)
Kettering, OH
$37,205 (2024) → $48,053 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Kettering, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Cleveland or Kettering?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Kettering?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Kettering as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Cleveland vs Kettering?
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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