Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Barnstable, MA: $25.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Barnstable, MA runs $25.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,357 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Barnstable's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,012 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Barnstable, Massachusetts, the projected dental assistant hourly pay stands at $25.65, which reflects a notable increase relative to the national median of $23.84. This competitive rate provides a strong foundation for dental assistants choosing to work part-time or in per-diem roles, which are common in diverse settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery suites. For those working three days a week, this pay translates into substantial weekly earnings, while also allowing for flexible scheduling that is appealing to many in the profession. The hourly compensation in Barnstable ranges widely, from $19.56 for entry-level positions to $31.42 for experienced dental assistants, demonstrating the profession's potential for growth based on individual skill and experience levels.
About the Barnstable 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) | $19.56 | $156.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.75 | $198.03 |
| Median (P50) | $25.65 | $205.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.15 | $241.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.42 | $251.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Barnstable
Based on $25.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.65/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Barnstable, MA can expect to earn approximately $53,354 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,781. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Barnstable.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Barnstable
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,026.04 | $4,446 | $53,354 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $615.62 | $2,668 | $32,012 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $410.41 | $1,778 | $21,342 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Barnstable) | $25.65 |
| 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 Barnstable, MA earn a median of $53,357 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.62% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.80% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,894.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.65/hr = $32,012/year (purchasing power: $29,504).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,354/year (purchasing power: $49,174).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Barnstable (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Barnstable grew 19.9% from $20.74/hr (2019) to $24.87/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.46/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 Barnstable 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 Barnstable
Exploring the financial landscape for dental assistants reveals valuable insights into part-time and per-diem earning potential. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week may take home a significantly lower annual income than their full-time counterparts, directly affecting their financial stability. Per diem dental assistant pay in Barnstable typically varies, with rates around $22 to $35 per hour, depending on the specific role and setting. In specialized environments such as oral surgery or orthodontic practices, per diem rates can rise to $28-$45 an hour, reflecting the increased skill and expertise required. Moreover, the type of practice can impact hourly wages, with larger DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen often offering standardized pay structures compared to smaller private practices. As dental assistants weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages versus health benefits, understanding these trade-offs becomes crucial. For those negotiating their rates in Barnstable, presenting relevant experience and demonstrating skills associated with expanded function authority can create leverage in discussions with employers.
More salary data for Barnstable, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Barnstable in 2026?
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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 Barnstable. 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 Barnstable 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