Dental Assistant Pay

Mobile vs Northport: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Mobile, AL and Northport, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mobile, AL
$40,018
$19.24/hr
Northport, AL
$38,514
$18.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMobile, ALNorthport, AL
Median Salary$40,018$38,514
Hourly Rate$19.24$18.51
Entry Level (P10)$32,138$29,650
25th Percentile$38,100$35,024
75th Percentile$48,971$45,472
Top Earner (P90)$50,209$47,502
Total Employed3105
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mobile ($40,018) and Northport ($38,514) dental assistant salaries.MobileNorthportMedian Salary$40,018$38,514Entry Level (P10)$32,138$29,650Top Earner (P90)$50,209$47,502US Median $49,579

Verdict

Mobile, AL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Northport.

The salary gap between Mobile and Northport is $1,504 (3.91%). Mobile's median is -19.28% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mobile spans $18,071,Northport spans $17,852. Mobile has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Mobile
P10 (Entry)$32,138
P25$38,100
Median$40,018
P75$48,971
P90 (Top)$50,209
Northport
P10 (Entry)$29,650
P25$35,024
Median$38,514
P75$45,472
P90 (Top)$47,502

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mobile ($45,424 effective) pays 3.67% more than Northport ($43,816 effective).

Mobile
Nominal: $40,018
CoL Index: 88.098
Adjusted: $45,424
Northport
Nominal: $38,514
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $43,816

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mobile if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,018/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($50,209)
  • Larger job market (310 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,424)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Northport if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Mobile grew 25.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Northport over the same period.

Mobile, AL

+25.5%

$30,910 (2019) → $38,800 (2025)

Northport, AL

+20.8%

$30,900 (2024) → $37,341 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Mobile or Northport?

Mobile has a higher median dental assistant salary at $40,018/year, compared to Northport at $38,514/year — a difference of $1,504 (3.91%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mobile and Northport?

Mobile dental assistants earn $19.24/hr while Northport hygienists earn $18.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mobile to Northport as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mobile and Northport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mobile = $45,424, Northport = $43,816), job availability (310 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Mobile vs Northport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $32,138 in Mobile and $29,650 in Northport. The Mobile 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