Dundalk vs Hagerstown: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Dundalk, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dundalk, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,341▲ | $48,156 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.17▲ | $23.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,674▲ | $36,223 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,071▲ | $39,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,938▲ | $51,178 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,631▲ | $61,801 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Dundalk, MD offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Dundalk and Hagerstown is $4,185 (8.69%). Dundalk's median is +5.57% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dundalk spans $25,957,Hagerstown spans $25,578. Dundalk 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, Hagerstown ($51,137 effective) pays 6.79% more than Dundalk ($47,887 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dundalk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,341/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,631)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,137)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Dundalk grew 0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Dundalk, MD
$50,674 (2024) → $50,748 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$40,900 (2019) → $46,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dundalk, MD
Hagerstown, MD
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