Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Amherst, MA: $26.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Amherst, MA runs $26.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,392 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Amherst's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,630 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Amherst, Massachusetts, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a robust $26.15, exceeding the national median of $23.84. This higher hourly rate allows for attractive compensation options for part-time workers, often employed three days a week, as well as for per-diem dental assistants who provide essential support in various settings, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. For entry-level positions, hourly wages might start around $19.99, while more experienced dental assistants can earn up to $32.09 per hour. This range reflects the diverse roles within the field and the demand for skilled dental assistants in an ever-evolving healthcare environment, where specialized roles in oral surgery or periodontal practices may offer higher wages while accommodating a variety of work schedules.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.99 | $159.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.27 | $202.15 |
| Median (P50) | $26.15 | $209.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.77 | $246.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.09 | $256.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amherst
Based on $26.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.15/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amherst, MA can expect to earn approximately $54,384 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,375. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Amherst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amherst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,045.84 | $4,532 | $54,384 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $627.50 | $2,719 | $32,630 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $418.34 | $1,813 | $21,753 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Amherst) | $26.15 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Amherst, MA earn a median of $54,392 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.71% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,886.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.15/hr = $32,630/year (purchasing power: $30,074).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,384/year (purchasing power: $50,123).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Amherst grew 19.9% from $21.14/hr (2019) to $25.35/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.97/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Amherst
For part-time dental assistants in Amherst, working 24 hours a week can translate to an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. However, the flexibility in hours can appeal to those seeking to balance work with personal commitments. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Amherst typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour for general dentistry roles, but specialties like oral surgery and orthodontics can push rates between $28 and $45. In a market influenced by the rise of dental service organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland and Aspen, hourly wages vary considerably based on the type of employer. While general practices may offer steadier hours and benefits, higher hourly rates without benefits might be found through temporary staffing agencies. Thus, dental assistants must weigh their options carefully; negotiating for higher hourly pay can be critical, especially in a competitive job market shaped by DSO policies.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Amherst in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Amherst?
Are dental assistants in Amherst paid hourly or salary?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Amherst. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst 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