Milwaukee vs South Milwaukee: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Milwaukee, WI and South Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | South Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,620▲ | $46,289 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.37▲ | $22.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,947▲ | $37,088 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,619▲ | $42,992 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,632 | $53,034▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,265▲ | $58,439 |
| Total Employed | 2,400▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and South Milwaukee is $2,331 (5.04%). 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,South Milwaukee spans $21,351. South 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 1.20% more than South Milwaukee ($49,560 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 South Milwaukee 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 10.0% growth in South Milwaukee over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$37,880 (2019) → $47,140 (2025)
South Milwaukee, WI
$40,817 (2024) → $44,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
South Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Milwaukee or South Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and South Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to South Milwaukee as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Milwaukee vs South 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