Salt Lake City vs South Jordan: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and South Jordan, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | South Jordan, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,534▲ | $37,977 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.01▲ | $18.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,770▲ | $28,972 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,512▲ | $34,475 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,940▲ | $45,213 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,961▲ | $47,572 |
| Total Employed | 2,470▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Jordan.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and South Jordan is $1,557 (4.10%). Salt Lake City's median is -20.26% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salt Lake City spans $12,191,South Jordan spans $18,600. South Jordan 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, Salt Lake City ($39,194 effective) pays 1.24% more than South Jordan ($38,713 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,534/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,961)
- ✓Larger job market (2,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,194)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose South Jordan if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Salt Lake City grew 8.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -15.3% growth in South Jordan over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$35,290 (2019) → $38,330 (2025)
South Jordan, UT
$43,449 (2024) → $36,821 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
South Jordan, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Salt Lake City or South Jordan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salt Lake City and South Jordan?
Should I relocate from Salt Lake City to South Jordan as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Salt Lake City vs South Jordan?
Related Comparisons
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