Dental Assistant Pay

Bennington vs Brattleboro: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Bennington, VT and Brattleboro, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bennington, VT
$49,171
$23.64/hr
Brattleboro, VT
$48,615
$23.37/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBennington, VTBrattleboro, VT
Median Salary$49,171$48,615
Hourly Rate$23.64$23.37
Entry Level (P10)$40,127$38,720
25th Percentile$46,198$44,983
75th Percentile$57,878$56,644
Top Earner (P90)$59,948$58,100
Total Employed66
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bennington ($49,171) and Brattleboro ($48,615) dental assistant salaries.BenningtonBrattleboroMedian Salary$49,171$48,615Entry Level (P10)$40,127$38,720Top Earner (P90)$59,948$58,100US Median $49,579

Verdict

Bennington, VT offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brattleboro.

The salary gap between Bennington and Brattleboro is $556 (1.14%). Bennington's median is -0.82% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bennington spans $19,821,Brattleboro spans $19,380. Bennington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bennington
P10 (Entry)$40,127
P25$46,198
Median$49,171
P75$57,878
P90 (Top)$59,948
Brattleboro
P10 (Entry)$38,720
P25$44,983
Median$48,615
P75$56,644
P90 (Top)$58,100

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bennington ($47,508 effective) pays 1.14% more than Brattleboro ($46,971 effective).

Bennington
Nominal: $49,171
CoL Index: 103.5
Adjusted: $47,508
Brattleboro
Nominal: $48,615
CoL Index: 103.5
Adjusted: $46,971

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bennington if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,171/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,948)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,508)
  • You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle

Choose Brattleboro if…

  • You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Bennington grew 4.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.5% growth in Brattleboro over the same period.

Bennington, VT

+4.5%

$45,622 (2024) → $47,674 (2025)

Brattleboro, VT

+4.5%

$45,106 (2024) → $47,135 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Bennington or Brattleboro?

Bennington has a higher median dental assistant salary at $49,171/year, compared to Brattleboro at $48,615/year — a difference of $556 (1.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bennington and Brattleboro?

Bennington dental assistants earn $23.64/hr while Brattleboro hygienists earn $23.37/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bennington to Brattleboro as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bennington and Brattleboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bennington = $47,508, Brattleboro = $46,971), job availability (6 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Bennington vs Brattleboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $40,127 in Bennington and $38,720 in Brattleboro. The Bennington area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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