Boston vs Barnstable Town: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Boston, MA and Barnstable Town, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Barnstable Town, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,986▲ | $59,904 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.84▲ | $28.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,280▲ | $48,785 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,301▲ | $49,868 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,967▲ | $62,111 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,065▲ | $67,815 |
| Total Employed | 7,190▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Barnstable Town.
The salary gap between Boston and Barnstable Town is $82 (0.14%). Boston's median is +20.99% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $25,785,Barnstable Town spans $19,030. Boston 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, Barnstable Town ($60,908 effective) pays 9.93% more than Boston ($55,406 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,986/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,065)
- ✓Larger job market (7,190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Barnstable Town if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,908)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Boston grew 16.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.2% growth in Barnstable Town over the same period.
Boston, MA
$49,890 (2019) → $58,160 (2025)
Barnstable Town, MA
$46,760 (2019) → $58,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Barnstable Town, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Boston or Barnstable Town?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Barnstable Town?
Should I relocate from Boston to Barnstable Town as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Boston vs Barnstable Town?
Related Comparisons
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