Lakewood vs Los Angeles: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Lakewood, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakewood, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,577▲ | $48,373 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.79▲ | $23.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,806▲ | $39,245 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,785▲ | $46,609 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,420▲ | $52,189 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,564▲ | $60,749 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 21,090▲ |
Verdict
Lakewood, CA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Lakewood and Los Angeles is $3,204 (6.62%). Lakewood's median is +4.03% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lakewood spans $25,758,Los Angeles spans $21,504. Lakewood 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, Lakewood ($45,603 effective) pays 7.06% more than Los Angeles ($42,595 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,577/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,564)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,603)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (21,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Lakewood grew -16.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.9% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Lakewood, CA
$59,522 (2024) → $50,007 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$38,800 (2019) → $46,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakewood, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Lakewood or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lakewood and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Lakewood to Los Angeles as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Lakewood vs Los Angeles?
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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