Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Pittsfield, MA: $25.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Pittsfield, MA runs $25.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,086 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Pittsfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.1, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,858 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The dental assistant hourly pay in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is projected to reach $25.53 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $23.84 for this profession. This competitive rate reflects the growing demand for dental assistants in various settings, including general dentistry, pediatric offices, and specialized surgical suites. For part-time workers scheduled three days a week, this would translate to a substantial income, especially given the hourly range that stretches from $19.55 for entry-level positions to $29.82 for those at the upper end of the pay scale. These figures, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, indicate a healthy labor market for dental professionals in the region.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.55 | $156.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.68 | $189.45 |
| Median (P50) | $25.53 | $204.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.41 | $235.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.82 | $238.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsfield
Based on $25.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.53/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsfield, MA can expect to earn approximately $53,096 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,633. With a cost-of-living index of 95.11 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pittsfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,021.09 | $4,425 | $53,096 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $612.65 | $2,655 | $31,858 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $408.43 | $1,770 | $21,239 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Pittsfield) | $25.53 |
| 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 Pittsfield, MA earn a median of $53,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.07% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,898.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.53/hr = $31,858/year (purchasing power: $33,497).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,096/year (purchasing power: $55,829).
CoL index: 95.106 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Pittsfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Pittsfield grew 19.2% from $20.77/hr (2019) to $24.75/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.33/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 Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield
Analyzing the earning potential for dental assistants in Pittsfield reveals significant opportunities, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week at the median rate could expect an annual income that reflects flexibility in scheduling while still being competitive. Per diem dental assistants can command pay rates between $22 to $35 per hour; specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics frequently earn even more, from $28 to $45 per hour. However, there are trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits, with some preferring lower hourly wages for the security of health insurance and consistent hours. It's crucial for dental assistants in Pittsfield to recognize how employer types influence pay, as general dental practices might offer different rates compared to specialty offices or dental schools. Negotiating higher pay can often hinge on experience and any additional certifications, including DANB credentials, which may set candidates apart in this evolving job landscape.
More salary data for Pittsfield, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Pittsfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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