Farmington vs South Valley: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Farmington, NM and South Valley, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | South Valley, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,731 | $45,324▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.03 | $21.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,522▲ | $34,270 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,100 | $43,520▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,671 | $54,837▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,236▲ | $57,851 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Farmington and South Valley are closely matched on overall dental assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Farmington and South Valley is $1,593 (3.64%). South Valley's median is -8.58% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $28,714,South Valley spans $23,581. Farmington 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, Farmington ($49,860 effective) pays 3.85% more than South Valley ($48,013 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,236)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,860)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose South Valley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,324/year)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Farmington grew 22.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in South Valley over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$34,670 (2019) → $42,400 (2025)
South Valley, NM
$38,395 (2024) → $43,944 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
South Valley, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Farmington or South Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and South Valley?
Should I relocate from Farmington to South Valley as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Farmington vs South Valley?
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