Gaithersburg vs Lexington Park: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Gaithersburg, MD and Lexington Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gaithersburg, MD | Lexington Park, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,587▲ | $49,538 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.24▲ | $23.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,706▲ | $38,956 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,599▲ | $47,486 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,230▲ | $59,636 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,458▲ | $62,224 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Gaithersburg, MD offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington Park.
The salary gap between Gaithersburg and Lexington Park is $5,049 (10.19%). Gaithersburg's median is +10.10% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gaithersburg spans $26,752,Lexington Park spans $23,268. Gaithersburg 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, Gaithersburg ($49,942 effective) pays 1.58% more than Lexington Park ($49,164 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gaithersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,587/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,458)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,942)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington Park if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Gaithersburg grew 0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Lexington Park over the same period.
Gaithersburg, MD
$52,847 (2024) → $52,925 (2025)
Lexington Park, MD
$47,440 (2024) → $48,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gaithersburg, MD
Lexington Park, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Gaithersburg or Lexington Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gaithersburg and Lexington Park?
Should I relocate from Gaithersburg to Lexington Park as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Gaithersburg vs Lexington Park?
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