Dover vs Middletown: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Dover, DE and Middletown, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Middletown, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,135▲ | $46,587 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.66▲ | $22.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,811 | $37,644▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,101 | $43,499▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,754 | $54,581▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,397▲ | $56,385 |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.
The salary gap between Dover and Middletown is $548 (1.18%). Dover's median is -4.93% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $20,586,Middletown spans $18,741. Dover 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, Dover ($48,340 effective) pays 5.53% more than Middletown ($45,808 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,135/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,397)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,340)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Middletown if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Dover grew 21.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Middletown over the same period.
Dover, DE
$37,570 (2019) → $45,700 (2025)
Middletown, DE
$41,345 (2024) → $45,169 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Middletown, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
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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