Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Salem, MA: $25.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Salem, MA runs $25.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,889 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,729 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Massachusetts, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $25.42 in 2026, reflecting a competitive edge over the national hourly median of $23.84. This hourly rate is particularly advantageous for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find employment in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic clinics. Entry-level dental assistants can expect an hourly wage starting around $21.08, while more experienced professionals may command upwards of $33.11. These estimates are derived from broader annual salary data, providing a concrete picture of the earning potential within this profession in Salem.
About the Salem 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) | $21.08 | $168.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.27 | $194.15 |
| Median (P50) | $25.42 | $203.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.64 | $237.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.11 | $264.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $25.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.42/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, MA can expect to earn approximately $52,882 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,509. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,016.96 | $4,407 | $52,882 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $610.18 | $2,644 | $31,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $406.78 | $1,763 | $21,153 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Salem) | $25.42 |
| 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 Salem, MA earn a median of $52,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.68% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,864.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.42/hr = $31,729/year (purchasing power: $29,243).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,882/year (purchasing power: $48,739).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Salem grew 19.9% from $20.55/hr (2019) to $24.65/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.22/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 Salem 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 Salem
For those considering part-time work, a dental assistant earning $25.42 per hour and working three days a week (totaling about 24 hours) can take home approximately $31,000 a year, demonstrating a solid income potential without committing to full-time hours. Meanwhile, per diem dental assistants in Salem can expect rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially yielding rates as high as $28 to $45 per hour. The flexibility afforded by temp agencies, such as Cloud Dentistry and GoTu, allows dental assistants to fill in on short notice and maximize their earnings. This arrangement often leads to variations in pay depending on the type of practice—general or specialized—employing them. Many dental assistants must weigh the benefits of potentially higher hourly wages without traditional health insurance against stable positions offering comprehensive benefits. Those negotiating their hourly rates may find it helpful to emphasize certification status, such as DANB, and relevant experience, especially in light of the evolving landscape created by DSO consolidation in MA.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Salem in 2026?
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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 Salem. 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 Salem 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