Springfield vs Worcester: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Springfield, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,250 | $52,313▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.64 | $25.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,205▲ | $41,854 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,466 | $49,817▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,069 | $63,029▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,544 | $63,751▲ |
| Total Employed | 610 | 880▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Springfield and Worcester is $1,063 (2.07%). Worcester's median is +5.51% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $18,339,Worcester spans $21,897. Worcester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($53,352 effective) pays 4.56% more than Worcester ($51,026 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,352)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,313/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,751)
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Springfield grew 13.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.1% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Springfield, MA
$43,690 (2019) → $49,690 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$49,690 (2019) → $50,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Springfield or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Worcester as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Springfield 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