Dental Assistant Pay

Allentown vs Chambersburg: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Allentown, PA and Chambersburg, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Allentown, PA
$49,084
$23.60/hr
Chambersburg, PA
$47,651
$22.91/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAllentown, PAChambersburg, PA
Median Salary$49,084$47,651
Hourly Rate$23.60$22.91
Entry Level (P10)$38,904$38,647
25th Percentile$46,279$41,112
75th Percentile$59,924$61,698
Top Earner (P90)$64,638$70,197
Total Employed970120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Allentown ($49,084) and Chambersburg ($47,651) dental assistant salaries.AllentownChambersburgMedian Salary$49,084$47,651Entry Level (P10)$38,904$38,647Top Earner (P90)$64,638$70,197US Median $49,579

Verdict

Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chambersburg.

The salary gap between Allentown and Chambersburg is $1,433 (3.01%). Allentown's median is -1.00% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $25,734,Chambersburg spans $31,550. Chambersburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.

Allentown
P10 (Entry)$38,904
P25$46,279
Median$49,084
P75$59,924
P90 (Top)$64,638
Chambersburg
P10 (Entry)$38,647
P25$41,112
Median$47,651
P75$61,698
P90 (Top)$70,197

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chambersburg ($50,349 effective) pays 2.54% more than Allentown ($49,100 effective).

Allentown
Nominal: $49,084
CoL Index: 99.968
Adjusted: $49,100
Chambersburg
Nominal: $47,651
CoL Index: 94.642
Adjusted: $50,349

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Allentown if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,084/year)
  • Larger job market (970 employed)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Chambersburg if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($70,197)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,349)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Allentown grew 16.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.0% growth in Chambersburg over the same period.

Allentown, PA

+16.9%

$40,710 (2019) → $47,590 (2025)

Chambersburg, PA

+20.0%

$38,490 (2019) → $46,200 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Allentown or Chambersburg?

Allentown has a higher median dental assistant salary at $49,084/year, compared to Chambersburg at $47,651/year — a difference of $1,433 (3.01%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Chambersburg?

Allentown dental assistants earn $23.60/hr while Chambersburg hygienists earn $22.91/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Allentown to Chambersburg as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Allentown and Chambersburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Allentown = $49,100, Chambersburg = $50,349), job availability (970 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Allentown vs Chambersburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $38,904 in Allentown and $38,647 in Chambersburg. The Allentown area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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