Dental Assistant Pay

Bridgeport vs Stamford: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Stamford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgeport, CT
$59,584
$28.64/hr
Stamford, CT
$58,786
$28.26/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTStamford, CT
Median Salary$59,584$58,786
Hourly Rate$28.64$28.26
Entry Level (P10)$40,204$45,737
25th Percentile$48,878$54,224
75th Percentile$60,894$72,052
Top Earner (P90)$62,286$77,491
Total Employed97027
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($59,584) and Stamford ($58,786) dental assistant salaries.BridgeportStamfordMedian Salary$59,584$58,786Entry Level (P10)$40,204$45,737Top Earner (P90)$62,286$77,491US Median $49,579

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Stamford.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and Stamford is $798 (1.36%). Bridgeport's median is +20.18% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $22,082,Stamford spans $31,754. Stamford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$40,204
P25$48,878
Median$59,584
P75$60,894
P90 (Top)$62,286
Stamford
P10 (Entry)$45,737
P25$54,224
Median$58,786
P75$72,052
P90 (Top)$77,491

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($55,757 effective) pays 2.34% more than Stamford ($54,482 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $59,584
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $55,757
Stamford
Nominal: $58,786
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $54,482

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bridgeport if…

  • Higher median salary ($59,584/year)
  • Larger job market (970 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,757)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Stamford if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($77,491)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Bridgeport grew 29.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.0% growth in Stamford over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+29.9%

$44,460 (2019) → $57,770 (2025)

Stamford, CT

+6.0%

$53,759 (2024) → $56,996 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Bridgeport or Stamford?

Bridgeport has a higher median dental assistant salary at $59,584/year, compared to Stamford at $58,786/year — a difference of $798 (1.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Stamford?

Bridgeport dental assistants earn $28.64/hr while Stamford hygienists earn $28.26/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Stamford as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and Stamford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $55,757, Stamford = $54,482), job availability (970 vs 27 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Bridgeport vs Stamford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $40,204 in Bridgeport and $45,737 in Stamford. The Stamford 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