Sarasota vs Tampa: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Sarasota, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sarasota, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,441▲ | $48,362 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.25▲ | $23.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,118 | $38,801▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,672 | $46,496▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,858▲ | $56,882 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,121▲ | $59,739 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 3,560▲ |
Verdict
Sarasota, FL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Sarasota and Tampa is $2,079 (4.30%). Sarasota's median is +1.74% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sarasota spans $25,003,Tampa spans $20,938. Sarasota has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sarasota ($50,041 effective) pays 4.39% more than Tampa ($47,935 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sarasota if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,441/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,121)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,041)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Sarasota grew 15.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Sarasota, FL
$42,535 (2024) → $48,905 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$41,060 (2019) → $46,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sarasota, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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