Kansas City vs Lee's Summit: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Kansas City, MO and Lee's Summit, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Lee's Summit, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,703▲ | $45,939 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.90▲ | $22.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,389▲ | $35,413 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,369 | $42,089▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,448 | $56,995▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,399 | $61,897▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,470▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lee's Summit.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Lee's Summit is $3,764 (8.19%). Kansas City's median is +0.25% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $22,010,Lee's Summit spans $26,484. Lee's Summit has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($53,708 effective) pays 4.75% more than Lee's Summit ($51,271 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,703/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,708)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Lee's Summit if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,897)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Kansas City grew 19.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Lee's Summit over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$40,420 (2019) → $48,190 (2025)
Lee's Summit, MO
$37,301 (2024) → $44,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Lee's Summit, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Kansas City or Lee's Summit?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Lee's Summit?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Lee's Summit as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Kansas City vs Lee's Summit?
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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