Olathe vs Overland Park: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Olathe, KS and Overland Park, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olathe, KS | Overland Park, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,222 | $45,804▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.74 | $22.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,717▲ | $33,505 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,082▲ | $40,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,028 | $55,435▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,364 | $62,338▲ |
| Total Employed | 33▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Overland Park, KS offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olathe.
The salary gap between Olathe and Overland Park is $582 (1.29%). Overland Park's median is -7.61% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olathe spans $24,647,Overland Park spans $28,833. Overland Park 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, Overland Park ($50,389 effective) pays 1.29% 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 Olathe if…
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Overland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,804/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,338)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,389)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Olathe grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Overland Park over the same period.
Olathe, KS
$36,484 (2024) → $43,845 (2025)
Overland Park, KS
$36,954 (2024) → $44,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olathe, KS
Overland Park, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Olathe or Overland Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olathe and Overland Park?
Should I relocate from Olathe to Overland Park as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Olathe vs Overland Park?
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