Milwaukee vs Mount Pleasant: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Mount Pleasant, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Mount Pleasant, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,620▲ | $46,540 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.37▲ | $22.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,947▲ | $35,153 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,619▲ | $44,697 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,632 | $54,535▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,265▲ | $56,550 |
| Total Employed | 2,400▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Pleasant.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Mount Pleasant is $2,080 (4.47%). 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 Milwaukee spans $19,318,Mount Pleasant spans $21,397. Mount Pleasant 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 0.66% more than Mount Pleasant ($49,829 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Mount Pleasant if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Milwaukee grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.4% growth in Mount Pleasant over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$37,880 (2019) → $47,140 (2025)
Mount Pleasant, WI
$41,613 (2024) → $45,123 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Mount Pleasant, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Milwaukee or Mount Pleasant?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Mount Pleasant?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Mount Pleasant as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Milwaukee vs Mount Pleasant?
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