Manhattan vs Olathe: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Manhattan, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manhattan, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,319▲ | $45,222 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.78▲ | $21.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,312 | $35,717▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,082 | $42,082▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,828 | $54,028▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,791 | $60,364▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Manhattan and Olathe are closely matched on overall dental assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Manhattan and Olathe is $97 (0.21%). Manhattan's median is -8.59% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manhattan spans $22,479,Olathe spans $24,647. Olathe 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, Manhattan ($49,856 effective) pays 0.21% more than Olathe ($49,749 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,319/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,856)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,364)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Manhattan grew 16.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Manhattan, KS
$37,650 (2019) → $43,939 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$36,484 (2024) → $43,845 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manhattan, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Manhattan or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manhattan and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Manhattan to Olathe as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Manhattan vs Olathe?
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