Laurel vs Lexington Park: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Laurel, MD and Lexington Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Lexington Park, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,478▲ | $49,538 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.75▲ | $23.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,553▲ | $38,956 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,235▲ | $47,486 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,235▲ | $59,636 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,626▲ | $62,224 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Laurel, MD offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington Park.
The salary gap between Laurel and Lexington Park is $1,940 (3.92%). Laurel's median is +3.83% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Laurel spans $24,073,Lexington Park spans $23,268. Laurel 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, Lexington Park ($49,164 effective) pays 4.39% more than Laurel ($47,098 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,478/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,626)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington Park if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,164)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Laurel grew 0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Lexington Park over the same period.
Laurel, MD
$49,838 (2024) → $49,911 (2025)
Lexington Park, MD
$47,440 (2024) → $48,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Laurel, MD
Lexington Park, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Laurel or Lexington Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Laurel and Lexington Park?
Should I relocate from Laurel to Lexington Park as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Laurel vs Lexington Park?
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