Altoona vs Philadelphia: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Altoona, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,733 | $51,126▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.46 | $24.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,594 | $41,297▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,079 | $48,981▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,785 | $58,862▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,007 | $71,424▲ |
| Total Employed | 90 | 6,510▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altoona.
The salary gap between Altoona and Philadelphia is $4,393 (9.40%). Philadelphia's median is +3.12% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $23,413,Philadelphia spans $30,127. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Altoona ($52,212 effective) pays 4.73% more than Philadelphia ($49,853 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,212)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,126/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,424)
- ✓Larger job market (6,510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Altoona grew 24.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.4% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$36,290 (2019) → $45,310 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$41,850 (2019) → $49,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Altoona or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Altoona and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Altoona to Philadelphia as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Altoona vs Philadelphia?
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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