Pittsburgh vs Williamsport: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Williamsport, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Williamsport, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,187▲ | $48,084 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.65▲ | $23.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,152▲ | $36,470 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,238▲ | $45,052 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,038 | $62,348▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,369 | $64,102▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,260▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Williamsport.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Williamsport is $1,103 (2.29%). Pittsburgh's median is -0.79% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $22,217,Williamsport spans $27,632. Williamsport 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, Williamsport ($52,067 effective) pays 0.21% more than Pittsburgh ($51,956 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,187/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Williamsport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,102)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,067)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Pittsburgh grew 29.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Williamsport over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$36,940 (2019) → $47,690 (2025)
Williamsport, PA
$41,190 (2019) → $46,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Williamsport, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Pittsburgh or Williamsport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Williamsport?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Williamsport as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Pittsburgh vs Williamsport?
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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