Dental Assistant Pay

Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Haverhill, MA: $26.47 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Haverhill, MA runs $26.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,057 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Haverhill's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,029 per year.

$55,057
Median Annual Salary
$26.47/hr
Hourly Rate
$41,459
Entry Level (P10)
$68,713
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Assistant Hourly Rate in Haverhill, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Haverhill, MA dental assistant hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For dental assistants in Haverhill, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay is $26.47, significantly above the national median of $23.84. This higher rate mirrors the increasing demand for skilled dental assistants in various settings, including general dentistry operatories and specialty offices, making it an attractive option for both full-time and part-time workers. Those who choose part-time roles, such as working three days a week, can earn a substantial wage while enjoying greater flexibility. With an estimated hourly pay range from $19.94 for entry-level assistants to $33.04 for highly experienced professionals, this occupation offers diverse earning potential across skill levels. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the dental workforce in Haverhill.

About the Haverhill Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$19.94$159.50
Lower Range (P25)$23.92$191.35
Median (P50)$26.47$211.73
Upper Range (P75)$31.94$255.54
Top Earners (P90)$33.04$264.29

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Haverhill

Based on $26.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental assistant in Haverhill earning $26.47/hr would make approximately $31,759 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $55,049 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$31,759Reduced (32 hr/wk)$42,345Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$55,049

At $26.47/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Haverhill, MA can expect to earn approximately $55,049 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,759. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Haverhill.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$211.73
per 8hr shift
$1,058.63
per week
$4,587
per month
$55,049
per year

Schedule Comparison in Haverhill

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,058.63$4,587$55,049
Part-Time (24 hrs)$635.18$2,752$33,029
Per Diem (16 hrs)$423.45$1,835$22,019

Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Assistant (Haverhill)$26.47
Dental Hygienist (National Avg)$42.45
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Pharmacy Technician (National Avg)$19.27
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental assistant median salary in Haverhill ($55,057) with Massachusetts average ($54,892) and the US national median ($49,579).Haverhill$55,057Massachusetts Avg$54,892+0.30%US National$49,579+11.05%

Dental Assistants in Haverhill, MA earn a median of $55,057 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.05% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $54,892.

Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $26.47/hr = $33,029/year (purchasing power: $30,442).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,049/year (purchasing power: $50,736).

CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$21.39/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$25.66/hr

2026 Current Est.

$26.47/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+27.6%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Haverhill (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental assistants in Haverhill. Baseline $21.39/hr in 2025, projected to $27.30/hr by 2027.$19$22$24$26$292019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$21.39$21.98$20.64$23.93$24.84$27.21$25.66$26.47$27.30
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$21.39/hrActual
2020$21.98/hrActual
2021$20.64/hrActual
2022$23.93/hrActual
2023$24.84/hrActual
2024$27.21/hrActual
2025$25.66/hrActual
2026(current)$26.47/hrEstimated
2027$27.30/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Haverhill grew 19.9% from $21.39/hr (2019) to $25.66/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.30/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Haverhill metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Haverhill

In a part-time capacity, a dental assistant working 24 hours per week would take home approximately $41,057 annually, showcasing a practical earning potential for workers seeking a balance between income and personal commitments. Meanwhile, per diem opportunities are quite prevalent, with rates typically ranging from $22-$35 per hour for most assignments, but specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics can command between $28-$45 per hour. Staffing agencies such as Cloud Dentistry and GoTu provide connections for short-term placements, catering to the increasing need for flexible staffing solutions. The type of employer significantly influences hourly rates in Haverhill, with general dental practices, orthodontic offices, and specialty clinics often offering different pay scales. For dental assistants balancing benefits and pay, it’s essential to evaluate offers critically; some may opt for a lower hourly wage in exchange for health benefits. Negotiating hourly rates can be advantageous, especially in a competitive job market shaped by DSO consolidation, and knowing one's value can lead to better compensation outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Haverhill in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental assistants in Haverhill is $26.47/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.14% annual growth). Rates range from $19.94 at entry level (10th percentile) to $33.04 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 11.0% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental assistants make in Haverhill?

A part-time dental assistant working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Haverhill earns approximately $2,752/month, or $33,029/year at the median hourly rate of $26.47. Many dental assistants prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental assistants in Haverhill paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental assistants in Haverhill are paid hourly at a median rate of $26.47/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $55,049/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Haverhill?

A full-time dental assistant working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Haverhill earns approximately $55,049/year at the median hourly rate of $26.47. This is 11.0% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $68,714/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Haverhill?

Part-time and per diem dental assistants in Haverhill sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $33.04/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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 Haverhill. 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 Haverhill is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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