Sacramento vs Oxnard: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Sacramento, CA and Oxnard, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Oxnard, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,419 | $60,780▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.04 | $29.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,269▲ | $38,162 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,435 | $49,909▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,319▲ | $63,431 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,848▲ | $63,947 |
| Total Employed | 3,100▲ | 1,250 |
Verdict
Sacramento and Oxnard are closely matched on overall dental assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Oxnard is $361 (0.60%). Oxnard's median is +22.59% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $25,579,Oxnard spans $25,785. Oxnard 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, Sacramento ($56,641 effective) pays 3.01% more than Oxnard ($54,988 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,848)
- ✓Larger job market (3,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,641)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Oxnard if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,780/year)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Sacramento grew 33.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in Oxnard over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$44,060 (2019) → $58,580 (2025)
Oxnard, CA
$44,750 (2019) → $58,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Oxnard, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Sacramento or Oxnard?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Oxnard?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Oxnard as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Sacramento vs Oxnard?
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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