Appleton vs Madison: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,723 | $51,498▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.42 | $24.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,609 | $48,187▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,094 | $49,755▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,542 | $60,265▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,266 | $62,998▲ |
| Total Employed | 370 | 920▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $2,775 (5.70%). Madison's median is +3.87% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $16,657,Madison spans $14,811. Appleton 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, Madison ($52,934 effective) pays 0.41% more than Appleton ($52,720 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,498/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,998)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,934)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Appleton grew 14.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$41,330 (2019) → $47,240 (2025)
Madison, WI
$43,260 (2019) → $49,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Appleton or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Madison?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Madison as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Appleton vs Madison?
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