Olathe vs Salina: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Olathe, KS and Salina, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olathe, KS | Salina, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,222▲ | $43,610 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.74▲ | $20.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,717 | $36,514▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,082▲ | $41,832 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,028▲ | $51,019 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,364▲ | $53,017 |
| Total Employed | 33▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salina.
The salary gap between Olathe and Salina is $1,612 (3.70%). Olathe's median is -8.79% 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,Salina spans $16,503. Olathe 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, Olathe ($49,749 effective) pays 3.70% more than Salina ($47,976 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,222/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,364)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,749)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Salina if…
- ✓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 Salina over the same period.
Olathe, KS
$36,484 (2024) → $43,845 (2025)
Salina, KS
$35,183 (2024) → $42,282 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olathe, KS
Salina, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
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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