Mayaguez vs Ponce: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Mayaguez, PR and Ponce, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mayaguez, PR | Ponce, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $30,251 | $31,210▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $14.54 | $15.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,021 | $23,598▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $23,578 | $27,796▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,362 | $47,578▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,261 | $56,768▲ |
| Total Employed | 230 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Ponce, PR offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mayaguez.
The salary gap between Mayaguez and Ponce is $959 (3.17%). Ponce's median is -37.05% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mayaguez spans $29,240,Ponce spans $33,170. Ponce has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mayaguez if…
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose Ponce if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($31,210/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,768)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Mayaguez grew 55.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 61.9% growth in Ponce over the same period.
Mayaguez, PR
$18,870 (2019) → $29,330 (2025)
Ponce, PR
$18,690 (2019) → $30,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mayaguez, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Mayaguez or Ponce?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mayaguez and Ponce?
Should I relocate from Mayaguez to Ponce as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Mayaguez vs Ponce?
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