Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Holyoke, MA: $25.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Holyoke, MA runs $25.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,621 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Holyoke's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,167 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Holyoke, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for dental assistants in 2026 is set at $25.77. This is notably higher than the national median of $23.84, translating to a competitive advantage for local professionals in this field. For those considering part-time opportunities, this equates to approximately $25,000 a year for a three-day workweek, a viable income for many. Per-diem dental assistants in Holyoke can expect to earn between $19.86 and $33.41 per hour, depending on their experience and the type of practice they work in. This range provides entry-level assistants with a solid starting point, while seasoned professionals can command higher rates in various dental settings, from pediatric practices to oral surgery facilities. Hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, but they tell a more immediate story about daily earnings in this essential profession.
About the Holyoke 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) | $19.86 | $158.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.45 | $187.63 |
| Median (P50) | $25.77 | $206.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.42 | $251.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.41 | $267.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Holyoke
Based on $25.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.77/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Holyoke, MA can expect to earn approximately $53,611 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,930. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Holyoke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Holyoke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,030.99 | $4,468 | $53,611 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $618.59 | $2,681 | $32,167 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $412.39 | $1,787 | $21,445 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Holyoke) | $25.77 |
| 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 Holyoke, MA earn a median of $53,621 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.15% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,884.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.77/hr = $32,167/year (purchasing power: $29,647).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,611/year (purchasing power: $49,411).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Holyoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Holyoke grew 19.9% from $20.84/hr (2019) to $24.99/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.58/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 Holyoke 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 Holyoke
In terms of earning potential, a dental assistant working part-time for 24 hours a week in Holyoke could bring home a significantly lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts, who often see steady pay increases as they gain experience. Per diem dental assistant pay in Holyoke typically falls between $22 and $35 per hour. However, rates can escalate to $28-$45 per hour for those working in oral surgery or orthodontics. Different employer types also influence wages; general dental practices, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics each present variations in pay. Many dental assistants must weigh the decision of accepting slightly lower hourly rates for the benefit of healthcare provisions against the allure of higher compensation without benefits. Those negotiating hourly wages might find success by researching the common rates in Holyoke and leveraging any additional certifications, such as DANB or EFDA credentials, while engaging in these discussions.
More salary data for Holyoke, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Holyoke 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 Holyoke. 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 Holyoke 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