Dental Assistant Pay

Milton vs Savannah: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Milton, GA and Savannah, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Milton, GA
$43,597
$20.96/hr
Savannah, GA
$47,145
$22.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMilton, GASavannah, GA
Median Salary$43,597$47,145
Hourly Rate$20.96$22.67
Entry Level (P10)$36,077$38,389
25th Percentile$41,505$39,554
75th Percentile$50,766$49,198
Top Earner (P90)$56,622$60,358
Total Employed9380
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Milton ($43,597) and Savannah ($47,145) dental assistant salaries.MiltonSavannahMedian Salary$43,597$47,145Entry Level (P10)$36,077$38,389Top Earner (P90)$56,622$60,358US Median $49,579

Verdict

Savannah, GA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Milton.

The salary gap between Milton and Savannah is $3,548 (8.14%). Savannah's median is -4.91% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milton spans $20,545,Savannah spans $21,969. Savannah has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.

Milton
P10 (Entry)$36,077
P25$41,505
Median$43,597
P75$50,766
P90 (Top)$56,622
Savannah
P10 (Entry)$38,389
P25$39,554
Median$47,145
P75$49,198
P90 (Top)$60,358

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Savannah ($49,519 effective) pays 5.75% more than Milton ($46,828 effective).

Milton
Nominal: $43,597
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $46,828
Savannah
Nominal: $47,145
CoL Index: 95.206
Adjusted: $49,519

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Milton if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Savannah if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,145/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($60,358)
  • Larger job market (380 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,519)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Milton grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Savannah over the same period.

Milton, GA

+12.4%

$37,612 (2024) → $42,270 (2025)

Savannah, GA

+29.8%

$35,220 (2019) → $45,710 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Milton or Savannah?

Savannah has a higher median dental assistant salary at $47,145/year, compared to Milton at $43,597/year — a difference of $3,548 (8.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Milton and Savannah?

Milton dental assistants earn $20.96/hr while Savannah hygienists earn $22.67/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Milton to Savannah as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Milton and Savannah. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Milton = $46,828, Savannah = $49,519), job availability (9 vs 380 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Milton vs Savannah?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $36,077 in Milton and $38,389 in Savannah. The Savannah area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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