McLean vs Richmond: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between McLean, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McLean, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,254 | $49,260▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.24 | $23.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,756 | $39,008▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,208▲ | $40,328 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,768 | $57,294▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,136 | $59,481▲ |
| Total Employed | 11 | 1,610▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McLean.
The salary gap between McLean and Richmond is $3,006 (6.50%). Richmond's median is -0.64% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McLean spans $21,380,Richmond spans $20,473. McLean 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, Richmond ($50,338 effective) pays 12.31% more than McLean ($44,820 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McLean if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,260/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,481)
- ✓Larger job market (1,610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,338)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in McLean grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.
McLean, VA
$44,453 (2024) → $44,846 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$39,270 (2019) → $47,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McLean, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: McLean or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between McLean and Richmond?
Should I relocate from McLean to Richmond as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in McLean vs Richmond?
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