Dental Assistant Pay

Milwaukee vs Superior: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Superior, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Milwaukee, WI
$48,620
$23.37/hr
Superior, WI
$46,620
$22.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMilwaukee, WISuperior, WI
Median Salary$48,620$46,620
Hourly Rate$23.37$22.41
Entry Level (P10)$40,947$38,179
25th Percentile$46,619$44,087
75th Percentile$51,632$56,684
Top Earner (P90)$60,265$60,194
Total Employed2,4007
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Milwaukee ($48,620) and Superior ($46,620) dental assistant salaries.MilwaukeeSuperiorMedian Salary$48,620$46,620Entry Level (P10)$40,947$38,179Top Earner (P90)$60,265$60,194US Median $49,579

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Superior.

The salary gap between Milwaukee and Superior is $2,000 (4.29%). 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,Superior spans $22,015. Superior has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.

Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$40,947
P25$46,619
Median$48,620
P75$51,632
P90 (Top)$60,265
Superior
P10 (Entry)$38,179
P25$44,087
Median$46,620
P75$56,684
P90 (Top)$60,194

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($50,156 effective) pays 0.48% more than Superior ($49,914 effective).

Milwaukee
Nominal: $48,620
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $50,156
Superior
Nominal: $46,620
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $49,914

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 Superior 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 Superior over the same period.

Milwaukee, WI

+24.4%

$37,880 (2019) → $47,140 (2025)

Superior, WI

+10.0%

$41,110 (2024) → $45,201 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Milwaukee or Superior?

Milwaukee has a higher median dental assistant salary at $48,620/year, compared to Superior at $46,620/year — a difference of $2,000 (4.29%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Superior?

Milwaukee dental assistants earn $23.37/hr while Superior hygienists earn $22.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Superior as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Milwaukee and Superior. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Milwaukee = $50,156, Superior = $49,914), job availability (2,400 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Milwaukee vs Superior?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $40,947 in Milwaukee and $38,179 in Superior. The Milwaukee area offers higher starting salaries.
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