Grand Island vs Norfolk: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Grand Island, NE and Norfolk, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Norfolk, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,383▲ | $42,249 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.26▲ | $20.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,101▲ | $35,830 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,917▲ | $40,812 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,796 | $49,884▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,635▲ | $51,757 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Norfolk.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Norfolk is $6,134 (14.52%). Grand Island's median is -2.41% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $16,534,Norfolk spans $15,927. Grand Island 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, Grand Island ($55,833 effective) pays 20.92% more than Norfolk ($46,174 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,383/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,635)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,833)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Grand Island grew 36.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Norfolk over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$34,500 (2019) → $46,910 (2025)
Norfolk, NE
$35,790 (2024) → $40,963 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Norfolk, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Grand Island or Norfolk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Norfolk?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Norfolk as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Grand Island vs Norfolk?
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