Los Angeles vs Modesto: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Modesto, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,373 | $51,745▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.26 | $24.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,245 | $39,606▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,609 | $48,713▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,189 | $61,554▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,749 | $64,421▲ |
| Total Employed | 21,090▲ | 890 |
Verdict
Modesto, CA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Modesto is $3,372 (6.97%). Modesto's median is +4.37% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $21,504,Modesto spans $24,815. Modesto 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, Modesto ($49,703 effective) pays 16.69% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (21,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Modesto if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,745/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,421)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,703)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Los Angeles grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.3% growth in Modesto over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$38,800 (2019) → $46,900 (2025)
Modesto, CA
$35,260 (2019) → $50,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Modesto, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Los Angeles or Modesto?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Modesto?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Modesto as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Los Angeles vs Modesto?
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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