Tampa vs Palm Bay: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Tampa, FL and Palm Bay, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Palm Bay, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,362 | $48,888▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.25 | $23.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,801 | $39,998▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,496 | $48,043▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,882 | $59,409▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,739 | $60,646▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,560▲ | 800 |
Verdict
Palm Bay, FL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Tampa and Palm Bay is $526 (1.09%). Palm Bay's median is -1.39% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $20,938,Palm Bay spans $20,648. Tampa 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, Palm Bay ($48,886 effective) pays 1.98% 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 Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Palm Bay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,888/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,646)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,886)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Tampa grew 14.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.2% growth in Palm Bay over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$41,060 (2019) → $46,890 (2025)
Palm Bay, FL
$35,850 (2019) → $47,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Tampa or Palm Bay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Palm Bay?
Should I relocate from Tampa to Palm Bay as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Tampa vs Palm Bay?
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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