Allentown vs Erie: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Allentown, PA and Erie, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | Erie, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,084▲ | $46,341 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.60▲ | $22.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,904▲ | $36,687 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,279▲ | $39,389 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,924▲ | $48,631 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,638▲ | $60,729 |
| Total Employed | 970▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Erie.
The salary gap between Allentown and Erie is $2,743 (5.92%). 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,Erie spans $24,042. Allentown 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, Erie ($50,952 effective) pays 3.77% more than Allentown ($49,100 effective).
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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,638)
- ✓Larger job market (970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Erie if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,952)
- ✓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 42.1% growth in Erie over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$40,710 (2019) → $47,590 (2025)
Erie, PA
$31,620 (2019) → $44,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
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
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