Independence vs St. Louis: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Independence, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,298 | $49,631▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.74 | $23.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,262 | $38,966▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,942 | $45,495▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,435 | $60,069▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,772▲ | $62,431 |
| Total Employed | 30 | 2,990▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between Independence and St. Louis is $2,333 (4.93%). St. Louis's median is +0.10% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $27,510,St. Louis spans $23,465. Independence 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, Independence ($52,788 effective) pays 1.14% more than St. Louis ($52,195 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Independence if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,772)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,788)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,631/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,990 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Independence grew 19.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Independence, MO
$38,405 (2024) → $45,858 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$40,420 (2019) → $48,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Independence or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Independence to St. Louis as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Independence vs St. Louis?
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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