Dental Assistant Pay

Guayama vs Mayaguez: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Guayama, PR and Mayaguez, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Guayama, PR
$27,796
$13.37/hr
Mayaguez, PR
$30,251
$14.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGuayama, PRMayaguez, PR
Median Salary$27,796$30,251
Hourly Rate$13.37$14.54
Entry Level (P10)$22,526$23,021
25th Percentile$23,372$23,578
75th Percentile$48,734$47,362
Top Earner (P90)$57,851$52,261
Total Employed60230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Guayama ($27,796) and Mayaguez ($30,251) dental assistant salaries.GuayamaMayaguezMedian Salary$27,796$30,251Entry Level (P10)$22,526$23,021Top Earner (P90)$57,851$52,261US Median $49,579

Verdict

Mayaguez, PR offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Guayama.

The salary gap between Guayama and Mayaguez is $2,455 (8.83%). Mayaguez's median is -38.98% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Guayama spans $35,325,Mayaguez spans $29,240. Guayama has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Guayama
P10 (Entry)$22,526
P25$23,372
Median$27,796
P75$48,734
P90 (Top)$57,851
Mayaguez
P10 (Entry)$23,021
P25$23,578
Median$30,251
P75$47,362
P90 (Top)$52,261

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Guayama if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($57,851)
  • You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle

Choose Mayaguez if…

  • Higher median salary ($30,251/year)
  • Larger job market (230 employed)
  • You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Guayama grew 48.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 55.4% growth in Mayaguez over the same period.

Guayama, PR

+48.7%

$18,120 (2019) → $26,950 (2025)

Mayaguez, PR

+55.4%

$18,870 (2019) → $29,330 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Guayama or Mayaguez?

Mayaguez has a higher median dental assistant salary at $30,251/year, compared to Guayama at $27,796/year — a difference of $2,455 (8.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Guayama and Mayaguez?

Guayama dental assistants earn $13.37/hr while Mayaguez hygienists earn $14.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Guayama to Mayaguez as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Guayama and Mayaguez. Factor in cost of living, job availability (60 vs 230 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Guayama vs Mayaguez?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $22,526 in Guayama and $23,021 in Mayaguez. The Mayaguez area offers higher starting salaries.
MG

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