Apopka vs Orlando: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Apopka, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apopka, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,076 | $47,939▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.63 | $23.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,896 | $39,730▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,221 | $46,207▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,667 | $55,778▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,287▲ | $60,492 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 3,260▲ |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Apopka.
The salary gap between Apopka and Orlando is $863 (1.83%). Orlando's median is -3.31% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apopka spans $25,391,Orlando spans $20,762. Apopka 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, Orlando ($47,269 effective) pays 1.21% more than Apopka ($46,702 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apopka if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,287)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,939/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,269)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Apopka grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Apopka, FL
$41,623 (2024) → $45,643 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$37,830 (2019) → $46,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apopka, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Apopka or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apopka and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Apopka to Orlando as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Apopka vs Orlando?
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