Arlington vs Worcester: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Arlington, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,073▲ | $52,313 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.00▲ | $25.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,420▲ | $41,854 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,760 | $49,817▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,411▲ | $63,029 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,712▲ | $63,751 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 880▲ |
Verdict
Arlington, MA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.
The salary gap between Arlington and Worcester is $1,760 (3.36%). Arlington's median is +9.06% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $23,292,Worcester spans $21,897. Arlington 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, Worcester ($51,026 effective) pays 2.39% more than Arlington ($49,837 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,073/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,712)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,026)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Arlington grew -5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.1% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Arlington, MA
$55,579 (2024) → $52,427 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$49,690 (2019) → $50,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Arlington or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Worcester as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Arlington vs Worcester?
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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