Dental Assistant Pay

Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Leominster, MA: $25.05 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Leominster, MA runs $25.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,101 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Leominster's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,266 per year.

$52,101
Median Annual Salary
$25.05/hr
Hourly Rate
$41,932
Entry Level (P10)
$64,464
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In Leominster, Massachusetts, the dental assistant hourly pay in 2026 is projected to be $25.05, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This rate positions dental assistants in Leominster well within the industry, reflecting local demand and cost of living factors. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a comfortable wage that accommodates various schedules, particularly in general and specialty dental settings ranging from pediatric clinics to periodontal surgical suites. Entry-level dental assistants can expect an hourly rate starting at $20.16, while experienced professionals could earn as much as $30.99 per hour. Hourly estimates derived from annual salary data illustrate the financial potential within this profession, making it an appealing option for those considering or already enrolled in dental assistant training.

About the Leominster 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)$20.16$161.31
Lower Range (P25)$22.89$183.09
Median (P50)$25.05$200.42
Upper Range (P75)$29.69$237.55
Top Earners (P90)$30.99$247.95

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Leominster

Based on $25.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental assistant in Leominster earning $25.05/hr would make approximately $30,063 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $52,110 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$30,063Reduced (32 hr/wk)$40,084Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$52,110

At $25.05/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Leominster, MA can expect to earn approximately $52,110 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,063. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Leominster.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$200.42
per 8hr shift
$1,002.11
per week
$4,342
per month
$52,110
per year

Schedule Comparison in Leominster

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,002.11$4,342$52,110
Part-Time (24 hrs)$601.26$2,605$31,266
Per Diem (16 hrs)$400.84$1,737$20,844

Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Assistant (Leominster)$25.05
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 Leominster ($52,101) with Massachusetts average ($54,901) and the US national median ($49,579).Leominster$52,101Massachusetts Avg$54,901-5.10%US National$49,579+5.09%

Dental Assistants in Leominster, MA earn a median of $52,101 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.09% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 5.10% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,901.

Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $25.05/hr = $31,266/year (purchasing power: $28,816).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,110/year (purchasing power: $48,027).

CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$22.42/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$24.29/hr

2026 Current Est.

$25.05/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+15.3%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Leominster (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 Leominster. Baseline $22.42/hr in 2025, projected to $25.84/hr by 2027.$21$23$24$25$272019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$22.42$23.45$22.20$22.11$23.48$25.75$24.29$25.05$25.84
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$22.42/hrActual
2020$23.45/hrActual
2021$22.20/hrActual
2022$22.11/hrActual
2023$23.48/hrActual
2024$25.75/hrActual
2025$24.29/hrActual
2026(current)$25.05/hrEstimated
2027$25.84/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Leominster grew 8.3% from $22.42/hr (2019) to $24.29/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.84/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 Leominster 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 Leominster

The earning potential for part-time dental assistants in Leominster can vary significantly based on scheduling and employer type. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week will take home considerably less than their full-time counterparts, but the flexibility allows many to balance other commitments. Per-diem dental assistants typically bill anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, with those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics earning between $28 and $45 per hour. Temp agencies package opportunities for short-term fill-in shifts for individuals who prefer varied work experiences. The hourly rates can fluctuate depending on whether assistants work in general practices, pediatric offices, or specialty clinics like orthodontics and oral surgery. Some professionals may choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others opt for higher pay without benefits to maintain flexibility. For those negotiating hourly pay, being informed about the competitive rates in Leominster and emphasizing relevant certifications from DANB, like EFDA credentials, can bolster their negotiating position in a market influenced by DSO consolidation, where pay scales may be standardized across larger dental networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental assistants in Leominster is $25.05/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.14% annual growth). Rates range from $20.16 at entry level (10th percentile) to $30.99 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 5.1% 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 Leominster?

A part-time dental assistant working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Leominster earns approximately $2,605/month, or $31,266/year at the median hourly rate of $25.05. 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 Leominster paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental assistants in Leominster are paid hourly at a median rate of $25.05/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $52,110/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 Leominster?

A full-time dental assistant working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Leominster earns approximately $52,110/year at the median hourly rate of $25.05. This is 5.1% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $64,467/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 Leominster?

Part-time and per diem dental assistants in Leominster sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $30.99/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.

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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 Leominster. 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 Leominster 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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