Gary vs South Bend: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Gary, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gary, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,844▲ | $49,270 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.96▲ | $23.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,598▲ | $37,460 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,927 | $46,382▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,021▲ | $58,749 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,888▲ | $64,628 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Gary, IN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Gary and South Bend is $574 (1.17%). Gary's median is +0.53% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gary spans $29,290,South Bend spans $27,168. Gary 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, Gary ($54,594 effective) pays 2.89% more than South Bend ($53,060 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gary if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,844/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,888)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,594)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Gary grew 25.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Gary, IN
$38,395 (2024) → $48,327 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$39,670 (2019) → $47,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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