Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Cambridge, MA: $28.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Cambridge, MA runs $28.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,554 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Cambridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,127 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, dental assistants can expect a median hourly rate of $28.15, significantly higher than the national median of $23.84. This favorable rate is beneficial for both part-time workers and those seeking per-diem positions, as it translates well across diverse settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. Entry-level dental assistants earn around $20.66 per hour, while top earners in specialized fields can make up to $36.58 per hour. This competitive pay structure reflects the evolving demands of the profession and the impact of the growing dental service organization (DSO) sector in the area. Estimated figures are derived from annual salary data, indicating a consistent upward trend for hourly compensation in the dental field.
About the Cambridge 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) | $20.66 | $165.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.00 | $200.01 |
| Median (P50) | $28.15 | $225.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.13 | $273.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.58 | $292.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cambridge
Based on $28.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.15/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cambridge, MA can expect to earn approximately $58,546 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,776. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cambridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cambridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,125.88 | $4,879 | $58,546 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $675.53 | $2,927 | $35,127 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.35 | $1,952 | $23,418 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Cambridge) | $28.15 |
| 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 Cambridge, MA earn a median of $58,554 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.10% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 6.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $54,877.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.15/hr = $35,127/year (purchasing power: $32,375).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,546/year (purchasing power: $53,959).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Cambridge grew 19.9% from $22.75/hr (2019) to $27.29/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.03/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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Considering the part-time potential, a dental assistant working three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, can bring home about $35,180 annually, a substantial income for a flexible position. In the per diem sphere, dental assistants often bill between $22 and $35 per hour, while specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics may see rates climb to $28-$45 per hour. Agencies like Cloud Dentistry and GoTu facilitate temp positions that allow for additional earning opportunities. It's notable that hourly wages can differ based on employer type; for instance, those working in solo practices may find themselves paid less than those in larger DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen. Dental assistants often weigh the benefits of higher pay in positions without health insurance against more secure, lower-paying jobs with benefits. For those negotiating their hourly rate in Cambridge, emphasizing specialized skills or certifications, such as DANB or expanded function authority, can prove advantageous.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Cambridge in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Cambridge?
Are dental assistants in Cambridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Cambridge?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Cambridge?
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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 Cambridge. 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 Cambridge 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