Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Fall River, MA: $26.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Fall River, MA runs $26.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,188 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Fall River's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,514 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For dental assistants in Fall River, Massachusetts, the projected hourly pay in 2026 stands at $26.05, which surpasses the national median of $23.84. This competitive wage reflects the demand for skilled professionals in the field and provides a viable income for both part-time and per-diem workers. Typically, dental assistants may work in various settings, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and even oral surgery suites. The hourly wage range is substantial, with entry-level positions earning around $21.11, while top earners can make up to $34.22. This variability allows for growth opportunities and makes the role appealing for those choosing flexible work schedules or supplemental income opportunities.
About the Fall River 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) | $21.11 | $168.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.60 | $196.79 |
| Median (P50) | $26.05 | $208.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.94 | $255.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.22 | $273.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fall River
Based on $26.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.05/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fall River, MA can expect to earn approximately $54,191 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,264. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fall River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fall River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,042.13 | $4,516 | $54,191 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $625.28 | $2,710 | $32,514 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $416.85 | $1,806 | $21,676 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Fall River) | $26.05 |
| 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 Fall River, MA earn a median of $54,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.30% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,901.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.05/hr = $32,514/year (purchasing power: $29,967).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,191/year (purchasing power: $49,945).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Fall River grew 19.9% from $21.06/hr (2019) to $25.26/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.87/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 Fall River 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 Fall River
Analyzing the part-time earning potential for dental assistants, working three days a week for a total of 24 hours can yield a solid annual income, despite being less than full-time earnings. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Fall River tends to range between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialty areas like oral surgery or orthodontics often offering rates from $28 to $45. The type of employer also plays a crucial role in determining hourly rates, with solo practices, group practices, and larger dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen adopting standardized pay scales. Some dental assistants might accept lower hourly rates at certain clinics for the perks of health insurance benefits. When negotiating, professionals should emphasize their certifications—like those from DANB or state-specific expanded function authority—to potentially secure higher pay rates while navigating opportunities in an evolving market driven by DSO consolidation in the area.
More salary data for Fall River, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Fall River. 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 Fall River 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