Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Brockton, MA: $26.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Brockton, MA runs $26.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,362 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Brockton's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,222 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental assistant hourly pay in Brockton, Massachusetts is projected to be $26.62, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $23.84. This competitive wage is particularly beneficial for both part-time workers and per-diem dental assistants, who may find opportunities in diverse settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic clinics. With an hourly range from $19.15 at the entry level to $35.81 for experienced top earners, professionals have the potential to earn a respectable income based on expertise and the specific dental practice they choose to work within. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections but can offer valuable insights into expected hourly earnings for dental assistants across Brockton.
About the Brockton 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) | $19.15 | $153.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.93 | $199.43 |
| Median (P50) | $26.62 | $212.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.99 | $263.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.81 | $286.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brockton
Based on $26.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.62/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brockton, MA can expect to earn approximately $55,371 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,945. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brockton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brockton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,064.82 | $4,614 | $55,371 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $638.89 | $2,769 | $33,222 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $425.93 | $1,846 | $22,148 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Brockton) | $26.62 |
| 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 Brockton, MA earn a median of $55,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.66% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.90% above the Massachusetts state average of $54,869.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.62/hr = $33,222/year (purchasing power: $30,620).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,371/year (purchasing power: $51,033).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Brockton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Brockton grew 19.9% from $21.52/hr (2019) to $25.81/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.46/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 Brockton 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 Brockton
For those who prefer part-time work, a dental assistant scheduled for three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can bring home a substantial income, although less than a full-time counterpart. Per diem arrangements are also popular, particularly in specialty practices like oral surgery and orthodontics, where pay rates range from $22 to $45 per hour, depending on the complexity of the work and location. Employers in Brockton vary from solo dental practices to larger dental service organizations such as Heartland and Pacific Dental, each affecting hourly pay scales. Many dental assistants may accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which is critical when considering long-term financial stability. Negotiation strategies can be effective; for example, emphasizing certifications like DANB or expanded-function training may help secure a better hourly rate.
More salary data for Brockton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Brockton in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Brockton?
Are dental assistants in Brockton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Brockton?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Brockton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Brockton. 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 Brockton 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