Dental Assistant Pay

Edmond vs Tulsa: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Edmond, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Edmond, OK
$42,544
$20.45/hr
Tulsa, OK
$47,970
$23.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEdmond, OKTulsa, OK
Median Salary$42,544$47,970
Hourly Rate$20.45$23.06
Entry Level (P10)$31,775$37,161
25th Percentile$38,109$38,812
75th Percentile$51,006$49,672
Top Earner (P90)$54,104$57,150
Total Employed251,440
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Edmond ($42,544) and Tulsa ($47,970) dental assistant salaries.EdmondTulsaMedian Salary$42,544$47,970Entry Level (P10)$31,775$37,161Top Earner (P90)$54,104$57,150US Median $49,579

Verdict

Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Edmond.

The salary gap between Edmond and Tulsa is $5,426 (12.75%). Tulsa's median is -3.25% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Edmond spans $22,329,Tulsa spans $19,989. Edmond has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Edmond
P10 (Entry)$31,775
P25$38,109
Median$42,544
P75$51,006
P90 (Top)$54,104
Tulsa
P10 (Entry)$37,161
P25$38,812
Median$47,970
P75$49,672
P90 (Top)$57,150

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($53,770 effective) pays 12.36% more than Edmond ($47,856 effective).

Edmond
Nominal: $42,544
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $47,856
Tulsa
Nominal: $47,970
CoL Index: 89.214
Adjusted: $53,770

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Edmond if…

  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Tulsa if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,970/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($57,150)
  • Larger job market (1,440 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,770)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Edmond grew 26.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.4% growth in Tulsa over the same period.

Edmond, OK

+26.5%

$32,608 (2024) → $41,249 (2025)

Tulsa, OK

+27.4%

$36,520 (2019) → $46,510 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Edmond or Tulsa?

Tulsa has a higher median dental assistant salary at $47,970/year, compared to Edmond at $42,544/year — a difference of $5,426 (12.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Edmond and Tulsa?

Edmond dental assistants earn $20.45/hr while Tulsa hygienists earn $23.06/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Edmond to Tulsa as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Edmond and Tulsa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Edmond = $47,856, Tulsa = $53,770), job availability (25 vs 1,440 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Edmond vs Tulsa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $31,775 in Edmond and $37,161 in Tulsa. The Tulsa 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