Dental Assistant Pay

Brattleboro vs Montpelier: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Brattleboro, VT
$48,615
$23.37/hr
Montpelier, VT
$47,261
$22.72/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrattleboro, VTMontpelier, VT
Median Salary$48,615$47,261
Hourly Rate$23.37$22.72
Entry Level (P10)$38,720$39,405
25th Percentile$44,983$43,946
75th Percentile$56,644$55,198
Top Earner (P90)$58,100$56,922
Total Employed64
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brattleboro ($48,615) and Montpelier ($47,261) dental assistant salaries.BrattleboroMontpelierMedian Salary$48,615$47,261Entry Level (P10)$38,720$39,405Top Earner (P90)$58,100$56,922US Median $49,579

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Brattleboro and Montpelier is $1,354 (2.86%). Brattleboro's median is -1.94% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brattleboro spans $19,380,Montpelier spans $17,517. Brattleboro has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Brattleboro
P10 (Entry)$38,720
P25$44,983
Median$48,615
P75$56,644
P90 (Top)$58,100
Montpelier
P10 (Entry)$39,405
P25$43,946
Median$47,261
P75$55,198
P90 (Top)$56,922

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Brattleboro ($46,971 effective) pays 2.86% more than Montpelier ($45,663 effective).

Brattleboro
Nominal: $48,615
CoL Index: 103.5
Adjusted: $46,971
Montpelier
Nominal: $47,261
CoL Index: 103.5
Adjusted: $45,663

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brattleboro if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,615/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($58,100)
  • Larger job market (6 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,971)
  • You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle

Choose Montpelier if…

  • You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

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

Brattleboro, VT

+4.5%

$45,106 (2024) → $47,135 (2025)

Montpelier, VT

+4.5%

$43,849 (2024) → $45,822 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Brattleboro or Montpelier?

Brattleboro has a higher median dental assistant salary at $48,615/year, compared to Montpelier at $47,261/year — a difference of $1,354 (2.86%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brattleboro and Montpelier?

Brattleboro dental assistants earn $23.37/hr while Montpelier hygienists earn $22.72/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brattleboro and Montpelier. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brattleboro = $46,971, Montpelier = $45,663), job availability (6 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $38,720 in Brattleboro and $39,405 in Montpelier. The Montpelier 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