Los Angeles vs Oakland: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Oakland, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,373 | $67,924▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.26 | $32.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,245 | $49,971▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,609 | $60,650▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,189 | $84,781▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,749 | $92,981▲ |
| Total Employed | 21,090▲ | 78 |
Verdict
Oakland, 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 Oakland is $19,551 (40.42%). Oakland's median is +37.00% 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,Oakland spans $43,010. Oakland 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, Oakland ($60,057 effective) pays 41.00% 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 Oakland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,924/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,981)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,057)
- ✓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 0.4% growth in Oakland over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$38,800 (2019) → $46,900 (2025)
Oakland, CA
$65,587 (2024) → $65,856 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Oakland, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Los Angeles or Oakland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Oakland?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Oakland as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Los Angeles vs Oakland?
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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