Miami vs Wildwood: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Miami, FL and Wildwood, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | Wildwood, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,363▲ | $47,568 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.73▲ | $22.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,904▲ | $38,863 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,372▲ | $45,382 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,831▲ | $54,891 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,729▲ | $57,769 |
| Total Employed | 9,180▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wildwood.
The salary gap between Miami and Wildwood is $1,795 (3.77%). Miami's median is -0.44% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Miami spans $21,825,Wildwood spans $18,906. Miami 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, Wildwood ($55,685 effective) pays 28.77% more than Miami ($43,242 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,363/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,729)
- ✓Larger job market (9,180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Wildwood if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,685)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Miami grew 24.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.9% growth in Wildwood over the same period.
Miami, FL
$38,580 (2019) → $47,860 (2025)
Wildwood, FL
$45,720 (2024) → $46,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wildwood, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Miami or Wildwood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Miami and Wildwood?
Should I relocate from Miami to Wildwood as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Miami vs Wildwood?
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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