Murray vs Salt Lake City: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Murray, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Murray, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,700▲ | $39,534 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.09▲ | $19.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,488 | $37,770▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,440 | $38,512▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,986▲ | $48,940 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,805▲ | $49,961 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 2,470▲ |
Verdict
Murray, UT offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salt Lake City.
The salary gap between Murray and Salt Lake City is $166 (0.42%). Murray's median is -19.93% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Murray spans $23,317,Salt Lake City spans $12,191. Murray 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, Murray ($40,469 effective) pays 3.25% more than Salt Lake City ($39,194 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Murray if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,700/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,805)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $40,469)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,470 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Murray grew -10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Murray, UT
$42,912 (2024) → $38,491 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$35,290 (2019) → $38,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Murray, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Murray or Salt Lake City?
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Should I relocate from Murray to Salt Lake City as a dental assistant?
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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