Dental Assistant Salary in Middletown, OH: $47,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Middletown, OH earns a median $47,454/year (≈ $22.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Middletown's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $52,320 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for dental assistants in Middletown, Ohio, stands at $47,454, slightly less than the national median of $49,579. This discrepancy is somewhat mitigated by the state's regulations on expanded functions for dental assistants, allowing those with EFDA credentials the opportunity to earn more than their peers. The salary range for dental assistants in this city stretches from $37,715 at the 10th percentile to $59,921 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential for qualified individuals. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the unique economic conditions of Middletown's job market.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,715 | $18.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,029 | $21.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,454 | $22.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,876 | $27.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,921 | $28.81 |
Median Salary Position
4.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Middletown
In Middletown, OH, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,206 (2026 est.). At $47,454, the local median is 4.29% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Middletown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Middletown Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Middletown median: $47,454/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Middletown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $47,885 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -4.29% less |
Dental Assistants in Middletown, OH earn a median of $47,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.29% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.90% below the Ohio state average of $47,885.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Middletown has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Middletown, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $47,454 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,320 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,362
2025 BLS Actual
$46,009
2026 Current Est.
$47,454
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,362 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,414 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,002 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,898 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,545 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,757 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,009 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,944 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Middletown metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,362 (2019) to $46,009 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,944 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,582 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Middletown metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,715 – $44,029 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,029 – $47,454 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,454 – $56,876 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,876 – $59,921 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Middletown
The local employment landscape features nine dental assistants, suggesting a competitive environment but also one where opportunities for growth exist. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, take-home pay may stretch further for dental assistants in Middletown compared to national averages, affording a better quality of life. In terms of leading employers, general dental practices and specialized offices, such as orthodontic and oral surgery practices, typically offer higher salaries due to the complexity of care provided. The variation in pay can also stem from factors like EFDA credentials, hybrid roles that combine responsibilities, and the employment structures of DSO chains that can standardize pay across their locations. Aspiring dental assistants can maximize their earnings by pursuing certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, and considering positions in larger practices or DSOs, where pay scales tend to be more attractive.
More salary data for Middletown, OH:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,009 for dental assistantsin the Middletown metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Middletown is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov