Lake Havasu City vs Peoria: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Lake Havasu City, AZ and Peoria, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Havasu City, AZ | Peoria, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,548 | $50,080▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.34 | $24.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,770▲ | $37,073 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,536▲ | $44,723 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,806 | $59,919▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,810 | $68,597▲ |
| Total Employed | 370▲ | 33 |
Verdict
Peoria, AZ offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Havasu City.
The salary gap between Lake Havasu City and Peoria is $1,532 (3.16%). Peoria's median is +1.01% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Havasu City spans $20,040,Peoria spans $31,524. Peoria 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, Lake Havasu City ($51,593 effective) pays 1.48% more than Peoria ($50,843 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Havasu City if…
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,593)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,080/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,597)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Lake Havasu City grew 26.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.9% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Lake Havasu City, AZ
$37,360 (2019) → $47,070 (2025)
Peoria, AZ
$46,307 (2024) → $48,555 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Peoria, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Lake Havasu City or Peoria?
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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