Shawnee vs Wichita: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Shawnee, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Shawnee, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,934 | $48,061▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.12 | $23.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,776 | $34,837▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,826 | $42,513▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,249 | $59,644▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,608 | $64,943▲ |
| Total Employed | 11 | 85▲ |
Verdict
Wichita, KS offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shawnee.
The salary gap between Shawnee and Wichita is $4,127 (9.39%). Wichita's median is -3.06% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Shawnee spans $21,832,Wichita spans $30,106. Wichita 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, Wichita ($52,872 effective) pays 9.39% more than Shawnee ($48,332 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Shawnee if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,061/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,943)
- ✓Larger job market (85 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,872)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Shawnee grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Shawnee, KS
$35,445 (2024) → $42,596 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$35,660 (2019) → $46,598 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Shawnee, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Shawnee or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Shawnee and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Shawnee to Wichita as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Shawnee vs Wichita?
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