Kentwood vs Lansing: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Kentwood, MI and Lansing, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kentwood, MI | Lansing, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,152 | $57,913▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.59 | $27.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,294▲ | $37,491 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,387▲ | $46,939 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,852▲ | $58,831 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,664▲ | $59,326 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 550▲ |
Verdict
Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kentwood.
The salary gap between Kentwood and Lansing is $6,761 (13.22%). Lansing's median is +16.81% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kentwood spans $25,370,Lansing spans $21,835. Kentwood 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, Lansing ($60,967 effective) pays 11.08% more than Kentwood ($54,884 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kentwood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,664)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,913/year)
- ✓Larger job market (550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,967)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Kentwood grew 30.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.6% growth in Lansing over the same period.
Kentwood, MI
$38,066 (2024) → $49,595 (2025)
Lansing, MI
$40,820 (2019) → $56,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kentwood, MI
Lansing, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Kentwood or Lansing?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kentwood and Lansing?
Should I relocate from Kentwood to Lansing as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Kentwood vs Lansing?
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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