Lansing vs Port Huron: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Lansing, MI and Port Huron, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Port Huron, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,913▲ | $47,800 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.84▲ | $22.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,491 | $37,733▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,939▲ | $44,159 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,831▲ | $57,178 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,326▲ | $58,322 |
| Total Employed | 550▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Port Huron.
The salary gap between Lansing and Port Huron is $10,113 (21.16%). Lansing's median is +16.81% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $21,835,Port Huron spans $20,589. Lansing 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, Lansing ($60,967 effective) pays 18.87% more than Port Huron ($51,288 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,913/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,326)
- ✓Larger job market (550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,967)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Port Huron if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Lansing grew 37.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in Port Huron over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$40,820 (2019) → $56,150 (2025)
Port Huron, MI
$38,673 (2024) → $46,345 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
Port Huron, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Lansing or Port Huron?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Port Huron?
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What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Lansing vs Port Huron?
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