Cleveland vs Middletown: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Cleveland, OH and Middletown, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Middletown, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,301▲ | $47,454 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.70▲ | $22.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,213▲ | $37,715 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,453 | $44,029▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,521▲ | $56,876 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,073▲ | $59,921 |
| Total Employed | 2,540▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Middletown is $1,847 (3.89%). Cleveland's median is -0.56% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $52,860,Middletown spans $22,206. Cleveland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($52,491 effective) pays 0.33% more than Middletown ($52,320 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,301/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,073)
- ✓Larger job market (2,540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,491)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Middletown if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Cleveland grew 20.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Middletown over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$39,800 (2019) → $47,800 (2025)
Middletown, OH
$37,757 (2024) → $46,009 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Middletown, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Cleveland or Middletown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Middletown?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Middletown as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Cleveland vs Middletown?
Related Comparisons
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