Fitchburg vs Springfield: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Fitchburg, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fitchburg, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,137▲ | $51,250 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.03▲ | $24.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,577 | $43,205▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,898▲ | $49,466 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,645▲ | $60,069 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,697▲ | $61,544 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 610▲ |
Verdict
Fitchburg, MA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Fitchburg and Springfield is $2,887 (5.63%). Fitchburg's median is +9.19% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fitchburg spans $25,120,Springfield spans $18,339. Fitchburg 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, Springfield ($53,352 effective) pays 6.93% more than Fitchburg ($49,896 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fitchburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,137/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,697)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,352)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Fitchburg grew -5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Fitchburg, MA
$55,645 (2024) → $52,489 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$43,690 (2019) → $49,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fitchburg, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Fitchburg or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fitchburg and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Fitchburg to Springfield as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Fitchburg vs Springfield?
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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