Dental Assistant Pay

Cumberland vs Warwick: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Cumberland, RI and Warwick, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cumberland, RI
$47,422
$22.79/hr
Warwick, RI
$52,048
$25.02/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCumberland, RIWarwick, RI
Median Salary$47,422$52,048
Hourly Rate$22.79$25.02
Entry Level (P10)$38,423$39,786
25th Percentile$44,540$47,467
75th Percentile$57,434$63,244
Top Earner (P90)$58,947$67,597
Total Employed816
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cumberland ($47,422) and Warwick ($52,048) dental assistant salaries.CumberlandWarwickMedian Salary$47,422$52,048Entry Level (P10)$38,423$39,786Top Earner (P90)$58,947$67,597US Median $49,579

Verdict

Warwick, RI offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cumberland.

The salary gap between Cumberland and Warwick is $4,626 (9.75%). Warwick's median is +4.98% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cumberland spans $20,524,Warwick spans $27,811. Warwick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.

Cumberland
P10 (Entry)$38,423
P25$44,540
Median$47,422
P75$57,434
P90 (Top)$58,947
Warwick
P10 (Entry)$39,786
P25$47,467
Median$52,048
P75$63,244
P90 (Top)$67,597

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Warwick ($51,789 effective) pays 9.75% more than Cumberland ($47,186 effective).

Cumberland
Nominal: $47,422
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $47,186
Warwick
Nominal: $52,048
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $51,789

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cumberland if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Warwick if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,048/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($67,597)
  • Larger job market (16 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,789)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Cumberland grew 4.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.1% growth in Warwick over the same period.

Cumberland, RI

+4.5%

$43,998 (2024) → $45,978 (2025)

Warwick, RI

+8.1%

$46,696 (2024) → $50,463 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Cumberland or Warwick?

Warwick has a higher median dental assistant salary at $52,048/year, compared to Cumberland at $47,422/year — a difference of $4,626 (9.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cumberland and Warwick?

Cumberland dental assistants earn $22.79/hr while Warwick hygienists earn $25.02/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cumberland to Warwick as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cumberland and Warwick. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cumberland = $47,186, Warwick = $51,789), job availability (8 vs 16 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Cumberland vs Warwick?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $38,423 in Cumberland and $39,786 in Warwick. The Warwick area offers higher starting salaries.
MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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