Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Plymouth, MA: $26.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Plymouth, MA runs $26.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,266 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Plymouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,158 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plymouth, Massachusetts, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $26.57, which is notably higher than the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate opens some appealing opportunities for part-time work, such as a typical schedule of three days a week, allowing for a steady income in various settings like pediatric offices, general dentistry practices, and specialized oral surgery centers. The hourly range shows significant variation, with entry-level positions starting at around $20.28 and more experienced professionals earning up to $34.34. It reflects the competitive nature of the field, particularly given the projected growth in the profession and the standardization of pay rates influenced by large dental service organizations (DSOs) in the area.
About the Plymouth 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) | $20.28 | $162.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.12 | $193.00 |
| Median (P50) | $26.57 | $212.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.18 | $257.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.34 | $274.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plymouth
Based on $26.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.57/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plymouth, MA can expect to earn approximately $55,263 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,883. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plymouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plymouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,062.75 | $4,605 | $55,263 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $637.65 | $2,763 | $33,158 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $425.10 | $1,842 | $22,105 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Plymouth) | $26.57 |
| 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 Plymouth, MA earn a median of $55,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.47% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $54,881.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.57/hr = $33,158/year (purchasing power: $30,560).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,263/year (purchasing power: $50,934).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Plymouth grew 19.9% from $21.48/hr (2019) to $25.76/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.40/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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Looking deeper into the part-time earning potential, a dental assistant working three days a week can expect to bring home approximately $33,300 annually, while full-time professionals might surpass $55,266. Many dental assistants in Plymouth also pursue per diem opportunities, billing rates often ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialty areas like oral surgery commanding pay as high as $45 per hour. The variation in hourly wages can depend largely on the type of practice—general dental offices, pediatric care spaces, or orthodontic clinics tend to pay differently based on resources and clientele. Some dental assistants might choose lower-paying positions that offer benefits, while others may prefer higher hourly pay without health insurance. For those operating as hourly employees, it’s advisable to negotiate effectively; know your worth based on your experience and the prevailing dental assistant hourly pay in Plymouth, MA.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Plymouth in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Plymouth?
Are dental assistants in Plymouth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Plymouth?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Plymouth?
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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 Plymouth. 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 Plymouth 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