Dental Assistant Pay

Dundalk vs Lexington Park: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Dundalk, MD and Lexington Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dundalk, MD
$52,341
$25.17/hr
Lexington Park, MD
$49,538
$23.82/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDundalk, MDLexington Park, MD
Median Salary$52,341$49,538
Hourly Rate$25.17$23.82
Entry Level (P10)$40,674$38,956
25th Percentile$48,071$47,486
75th Percentile$63,938$59,636
Top Earner (P90)$66,631$62,224
Total Employed10170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dundalk ($52,341) and Lexington Park ($49,538) dental assistant salaries.DundalkLexington ParkMedian Salary$52,341$49,538Entry Level (P10)$40,674$38,956Top Earner (P90)$66,631$62,224US Median $49,579

Verdict

Dundalk, MD offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington Park.

The salary gap between Dundalk and Lexington Park is $2,803 (5.66%). Dundalk's median is +5.57% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dundalk spans $25,957,Lexington Park spans $23,268. Dundalk has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dundalk
P10 (Entry)$40,674
P25$48,071
Median$52,341
P75$63,938
P90 (Top)$66,631
Lexington Park
P10 (Entry)$38,956
P25$47,486
Median$49,538
P75$59,636
P90 (Top)$62,224

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington Park ($49,164 effective) pays 2.67% more than Dundalk ($47,887 effective).

Dundalk
Nominal: $52,341
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $47,887
Lexington Park
Nominal: $49,538
CoL Index: 100.76
Adjusted: $49,164

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dundalk if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,341/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($66,631)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Lexington Park if…

  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,164)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Dundalk grew 0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Lexington Park over the same period.

Dundalk, MD

+0.1%

$50,674 (2024) → $50,748 (2025)

Lexington Park, MD

+1.2%

$47,440 (2024) → $48,030 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Dundalk or Lexington Park?

Dundalk has a higher median dental assistant salary at $52,341/year, compared to Lexington Park at $49,538/year — a difference of $2,803 (5.66%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dundalk and Lexington Park?

Dundalk dental assistants earn $25.17/hr while Lexington Park hygienists earn $23.82/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dundalk to Lexington Park as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dundalk and Lexington Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dundalk = $47,887, Lexington Park = $49,164), job availability (10 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Dundalk vs Lexington Park?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $40,674 in Dundalk and $38,956 in Lexington Park. The Dundalk area offers higher starting salaries.
MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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