Boston vs Chelsea: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Chelsea, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,986▲ | $54,388 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.84▲ | $26.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,280▲ | $43,140 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,301 | $50,442▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,967 | $64,034▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,065▲ | $66,584 |
| Total Employed | 7,190▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelsea.
The salary gap between Boston and Chelsea is $5,598 (10.29%). 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,Chelsea spans $23,444. 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, Boston ($55,406 effective) pays 10.53% more than Chelsea ($50,127 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,406)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Chelsea if…
- ✓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 -5.7% growth in Chelsea over the same period.
Boston, MA
$49,890 (2019) → $58,160 (2025)
Chelsea, MA
$55,903 (2024) → $52,732 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Chelsea, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Boston or Chelsea?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Chelsea?
Should I relocate from Boston to Chelsea as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Boston vs Chelsea?
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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