Altamonte Springs vs Tampa: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Altamonte Springs, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altamonte Springs, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,645 | $48,362▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.42 | $23.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,528 | $38,801▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,283 | $46,496▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,941 | $56,882▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,315 | $59,739▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 3,560▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altamonte Springs.
The salary gap between Altamonte Springs and Tampa is $1,717 (3.68%). Tampa's median is -2.45% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altamonte Springs spans $21,787,Tampa spans $20,938. Altamonte Springs 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, Tampa ($47,935 effective) pays 3.59% more than Altamonte Springs ($46,275 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altamonte Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,362/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,739)
- ✓Larger job market (3,560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,935)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Altamonte Springs grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Altamonte Springs, FL
$41,242 (2024) → $45,225 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$41,060 (2019) → $46,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altamonte Springs, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Altamonte Springs or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Altamonte Springs and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Altamonte Springs to Tampa as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Altamonte Springs vs Tampa?
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