Milford vs New Haven: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Milford, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milford, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,129 | $58,429▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.47 | $28.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,491▲ | $41,534 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,291▲ | $52,148 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,609▲ | $60,760 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,180▲ | $62,792 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 530▲ |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milford.
The salary gap between Milford and New Haven is $1,300 (2.28%). New Haven's median is +17.85% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milford spans $30,689,New Haven spans $21,258. Milford 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, New Haven ($55,881 effective) pays 5.54% more than Milford ($52,946 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Milford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,180)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,429/year)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,881)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Milford grew 5.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Milford, CT
$52,750 (2024) → $55,390 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$44,540 (2019) → $56,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milford, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Milford or New Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milford and New Haven?
Should I relocate from Milford to New Haven as a dental assistant?
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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