Arecibo vs Mayaguez: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Arecibo, PR and Mayaguez, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arecibo, PR | Mayaguez, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,202▲ | $30,251 |
| Hourly Rate | $17.41▲ | $14.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,176▲ | $23,021 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,497▲ | $23,578 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,929▲ | $47,362 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,243▲ | $52,261 |
| Total Employed | 170 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Arecibo, PR offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mayaguez.
The salary gap between Arecibo and Mayaguez is $5,951 (19.67%). Arecibo's median is -26.98% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arecibo spans $34,067,Mayaguez spans $29,240. Arecibo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arecibo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($36,202/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,243)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose Mayaguez if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Arecibo grew 93.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 55.4% growth in Mayaguez over the same period.
Arecibo, PR
$18,120 (2019) → $35,100 (2025)
Mayaguez, PR
$18,870 (2019) → $29,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arecibo, PR
Mayaguez, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Arecibo or Mayaguez?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arecibo and Mayaguez?
Should I relocate from Arecibo to Mayaguez as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Arecibo vs Mayaguez?
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