Entry-Level Dental Assistant Salary in Plymouth, MA: $42,182 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dental assistants entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,182 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,877 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,266) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates exploring entry-level dental assistant positions in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the starting pay reflects the competitive nature of the local job market. In 2026, the anticipated salary for entry-level roles begins at around $42,182, providing a foundation for career growth as professionals gain experience. While this entry-level figure is below the city's projected median annual salary of $55,266, it positions new dental assistants for a gradual increase in earnings as they advance through their careers. Young professionals can expect to see salaries move toward the 25th percentile at $50,184 within their first few years, suggesting an upward trajectory as they develop their skills and gain certifications. Given Plymouth’s steady job growth and demand for dental services, it remains an encouraging locale for fresh graduates entering the field.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Entry-level dental assistants in Plymouth, MA typically start between $42,182 and $50,184 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,231 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,266 — 11.47% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average dental assisting program cost in Massachusetts of $14,000 represents just 33.19% of the starting dental assistant pay ($42,182/year) in Plymouth. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ADA CODA-accredited dental assisting program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type and program length (certificate vs. associate).
DA, CDA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level dental assistant pay ranges from $42,182 to $50,184, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the dental assisting field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Plymouth, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Dental Assistant Compensation Range
The dental assistant wage spread in Plymouth is $29,231 ( 69.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,182, experienced hygienists can earn up to $71,413.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,819
2025 BLS Actual
$40,898
2026 Current Est.
$42,182
2019–2027 Growth
+41.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,819 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,877 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,582 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,642 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,943 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,898 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,182 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,507 | Projected |
Entry-level dental assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 32.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,819 in 2019 to $40,898 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,507. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your dental assisting Career in Plymouth
Employers in Plymouth actively seek to onboard new dental assistants, with the majority of entry-level opportunities found in dental service organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland and Aspen. These organizations often provide structured training programs, making them ideal for recent graduates. Pediatric and general practices are also welcoming to entry-level applicants, while oral surgery offices typically prefer candidates with prior experience. Holding relevant credentials can significantly enhance starting pay; graduates from DANB-accredited programs or those obtaining a DANB CDA certification may find better compensation. Moreover, expanded function dental assistants can earn notably higher wages, particularly in states with favorable regulations. As the DSO consolidation continues, a strategic career approach will benefit those entering the field, encouraging ongoing education and certifications to facilitate career advancement and increased earning potential as they gain experience in the first few years.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for dental assistants in Plymouth in 2026?
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Is dental assisting school worth it in Plymouth?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new dental assisting graduates. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov