Augusta vs Pooler: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Augusta, GA and Pooler, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Pooler, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,165▲ | $44,776 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.71▲ | $21.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,110▲ | $33,992 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,884 | $43,094▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,579 | $52,591▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,614▲ | $54,553 |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pooler.
The salary gap between Augusta and Pooler is $389 (0.87%). Augusta's median is -8.90% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $20,504,Pooler spans $20,561. Pooler 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, Augusta ($49,144 effective) pays 2.18% more than Pooler ($48,095 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,165/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,614)
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,144)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Pooler if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Augusta grew 11.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Pooler over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$39,190 (2019) → $43,790 (2025)
Pooler, GA
$38,628 (2024) → $43,413 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Pooler, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Augusta or Pooler?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Pooler?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Pooler as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Augusta vs Pooler?
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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