Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Northampton, MA: $26.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Northampton, MA runs $26.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,945 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Northampton's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,570 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northampton, Massachusetts, a dental assistant can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $26.90, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $23.84. This favorable pay rate translates into a more advantageous financial position for dental assistants working in various settings, such as general dentistry offices, pediatric practices, and oral surgery centers. For those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, this hourly pay allows for substantial weekly earnings, reflecting the diverse tasks undertaken in dental operatories and surgical suites. The hourly rates of dental assistants in Northampton vary, ranging from $21.93 for entry-level positions to $33.79 for experienced professionals, providing an appealing career path for both new and seasoned dental assistants in the area.
About the Northampton 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) | $21.93 | $175.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.44 | $203.56 |
| Median (P50) | $26.90 | $215.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.13 | $257.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.79 | $270.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northampton
Based on $26.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.90/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northampton, MA can expect to earn approximately $55,950 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,279. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Northampton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northampton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,075.96 | $4,662 | $55,950 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $645.57 | $2,797 | $33,570 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.38 | $1,865 | $22,380 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Northampton) | $26.90 |
| 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 Northampton, MA earn a median of $55,945 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.84% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.90% above the Massachusetts state average of $54,902.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.90/hr = $33,570/year (purchasing power: $30,940).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,950/year (purchasing power: $51,567).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Northampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Northampton grew 19.9% from $21.75/hr (2019) to $26.08/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.74/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 Northampton 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 Northampton
For dental assistants seeking part-time employment, the potential earnings can vary widely. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week at the median rate would bring home a competitive income annually compared to full-time colleagues. Per-diem positions present an additional avenue for income; many dental assistants in Northampton find that per-diem dental assistant pay ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with rates for specialized roles like oral surgery and orthodontics often reaching $28 to $45 per hour. The employment landscape includes a mix of general dental practices, specialty offices, and dental schools, all impacting pay differently. Those who accept lower hourly rates might gain benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher hourly compensation without benefits. Dental assistants can successfully negotiate pay by understanding their worth and market demand in Northampton's competitive job market.
More salary data for Northampton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Northampton in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Northampton?
Are dental assistants in Northampton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Northampton?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Northampton?
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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 Northampton. 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 Northampton 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