Cottonwood Heights vs Ogden: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Cottonwood Heights, UT and Ogden, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottonwood Heights, UT | Ogden, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,098 | $38,471▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.83 | $18.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,951 | $32,695▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,056 | $37,914▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,124 | $45,021▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,149 | $48,507▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,120▲ |
Verdict
Ogden, UT offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottonwood Heights.
The salary gap between Cottonwood Heights and Ogden is $1,373 (3.70%). Ogden's median is -22.40% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottonwood Heights spans $17,198,Ogden spans $15,812. Cottonwood 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, Ogden ($38,337 effective) pays 1.38% more than Cottonwood Heights ($37,817 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottonwood Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Ogden if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,471/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,507)
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $38,337)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Cottonwood Heights grew -15.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.3% growth in Ogden over the same period.
Cottonwood Heights, UT
$42,444 (2024) → $35,969 (2025)
Ogden, UT
$30,260 (2019) → $37,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottonwood Heights, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Cottonwood Heights or Ogden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottonwood Heights and Ogden?
Should I relocate from Cottonwood Heights to Ogden as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Cottonwood Heights vs Ogden?
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