Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Lexington, MA: $25.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Lexington, MA runs $25.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,544 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,523 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lexington, Massachusetts, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $25.26 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This rate provides a strong incentive for individuals considering part-time or per-diem roles in various dental settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery suites. For those working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, the opportunity to earn in this competitive range can be appealing for balancing work-life commitments. The hourly pay varies within a range from $20.60 for entry-level positions up to $31.75 for experienced professionals, illustrating potential pathways for career advancement and specialization opportunities in a growing field.
About the Lexington 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) | $20.60 | $164.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.90 | $191.18 |
| Median (P50) | $25.26 | $202.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.18 | $241.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.75 | $253.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $25.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.26/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, MA can expect to earn approximately $52,539 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,311. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,010.36 | $4,378 | $52,539 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.22 | $2,627 | $31,523 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.14 | $1,751 | $21,015 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Lexington) | $25.26 |
| 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 Lexington, MA earn a median of $52,544 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.98% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,905.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.26/hr = $31,523/year (purchasing power: $29,054).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,539/year (purchasing power: $48,423).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Lexington grew 19.9% from $20.42/hr (2019) to $24.49/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.05/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
Examining the earning potential for part-time dental assistants in Lexington reveals that working 24 hours a week results in a significantly different annual income compared to full-timers. For those opting to work on a per-diem basis, the standard billing rates range from $22-$35 per hour, with specialized roles in orthodontics and oral surgery commanding rates between $28 and $45. This presents a flexible earning option for those interested in varying their workloads across multiple office types. Despite the appeal of higher hourly rates, many assistants may choose roles that offer health insurance benefits, despite lower pay. The landscape of dental employment in Lexington is diverse, with hourly rates influenced by the type of employer, from private practices to larger chains like Aspen and Pacific Dental. Dental assistants are advised to negotiate pay based on their qualifications and the specific demands of the position, which can vary greatly between general and specialty practices.
More salary data for Lexington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Lexington in 2026?
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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.
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 Lexington. 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 Lexington 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