Dental Assistant Salary in Rancho Cordova, CA: $52,486 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Rancho Cordova, CA earns a median $52,486/year (≈ $25.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Rancho Cordova's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $46,407 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rancho Cordova, the projected compensation for dental assistants in 2026 reflects a competitive market, with a median annual salary of $52,486. This amount sits above the national average of $49,579, indicating a favorable employment environment for dental professionals in the region. Salary ranges for this position vary significantly, with the lower 10% earning around $38,784 and the top 90% making up to $69,426. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for local economic conditions. The presence of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) has established standardized pay scales, while solo practices might offer flexibility in negotiation, influencing pay dynamics for aspiring dental assistants in the area.
About the Rancho Cordova Market
Salary estimated from California average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,784 | $18.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,852 | $23.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,486 | $25.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,694 | $30.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,426 | $33.38 |
Median Salary Position
5.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rancho Cordova
In Rancho Cordova, CA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,642 (2026 est.). At $52,486, the local median is 5.86% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rancho Cordova: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rancho Cordova Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Rancho Cordova median: $52,486/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rancho Cordova Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $52,909 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +5.86% more |
Dental Assistants in Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $52,486 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.86% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.80% below the California state average of $52,909.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rancho Cordova has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rancho Cordova, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,486 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,407 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,430
2025 BLS Actual
$50,888
2026 Current Est.
$52,486
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,594 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,926 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,447 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,572 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,888 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,486 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,134 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rancho Cordova metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $42,430 (2019) to $50,888 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,134 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,704 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rancho Cordova metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,784 – $49,852 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,852 – $52,486 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,486 – $62,694 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,694 – $69,426 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Rancho Cordova
With only 20 dental assistants employed locally, job opportunities are relatively limited, heightening the importance of maximizing earning potential in this market. The cost of living index of 113.1 suggests that the purchasing power of salaries may be impacted by housing and lifestyle expenses, which are above the national average. Employers in Rancho Cordova, such as large DSO chains like Heartland and Pacific Dental, typically offer higher pay than smaller general dental practices or specialty offices. Factors driving the disparity in earnings include the nature of the dental specialty, job roles such as treatment coordinators or expanded function dental assistants (EFDA), and the overall demand for dental services in the area. DAs seeking to enhance their salaries should consider pursuing EFDA credentials where permitted, and exploring opportunities within DSO chains, which often provide structured pathways and mentorships for career growth.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, CA:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $50,888 for dental assistantsin the Rancho Cordova metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rancho Cordova is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov