Middleton vs Milwaukee: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Middleton, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Middleton, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,047 | $48,620▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.66 | $23.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,847 | $40,947▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,114 | $46,619▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,767▲ | $51,632 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,120 | $60,265▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 2,400▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middleton.
The salary gap between Middleton and Milwaukee is $3,573 (7.93%). Milwaukee's median is -1.93% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middleton spans $18,273,Milwaukee spans $19,318. Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($50,156 effective) pays 3.99% more than Middleton ($48,230 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Middleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,620/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,265)
- ✓Larger job market (2,400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,156)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Middleton grew 10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.4% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Middleton, WI
$39,722 (2024) → $43,676 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$37,880 (2019) → $47,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Middleton, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Middleton or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Middleton and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Middleton to Milwaukee as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Middleton vs Milwaukee?
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