Apopka vs Tampa: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Apopka, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apopka, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,076 | $48,362▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.63 | $23.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,896 | $38,801▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,221 | $46,496▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,667 | $56,882▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,287▲ | $59,739 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 3,560▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Apopka.
The salary gap between Apopka and Tampa is $1,286 (2.73%). 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 Apopka spans $25,391,Tampa spans $20,938. 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, Tampa ($47,935 effective) pays 2.64% 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 Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,362/year)
- ✓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 Apopka grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Apopka, FL
$41,623 (2024) → $45,643 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$41,060 (2019) → $46,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apopka, FL
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