Fremont vs Sacramento: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Fremont, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fremont, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,425▲ | $60,419 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.93▲ | $29.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,585 | $47,269▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,447▲ | $49,435 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,068▲ | $65,319 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,212▲ | $72,848 |
| Total Employed | 43 | 3,100▲ |
Verdict
Fremont, CA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Fremont and Sacramento is $6,006 (9.94%). Fremont's median is +33.98% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fremont spans $45,627,Sacramento spans $25,579. Fremont 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, Fremont ($58,731 effective) pays 3.69% more than Sacramento ($56,641 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fremont if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,425/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,212)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,731)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Fremont grew 2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.0% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Fremont, CA
$62,919 (2024) → $64,403 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$44,060 (2019) → $58,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fremont, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Fremont or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fremont and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Fremont to Sacramento as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Fremont vs Sacramento?
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