Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Taunton, MA: $26.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Taunton, MA runs $26.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,092 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Taunton's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,450 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Taunton, Massachusetts, dental assistants earn a median hourly wage of $26.00, which is a notable 9.10% higher than the national median of $23.84. This competitive hourly rate offers significant earning potential for both full-time positions and part-time or per-diem workers within a variety of clinical environments, including general dentistry offices, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-per-week schedule, the pay structure allows for flexible work-life balance while still delivering adequate income, especially since hourly wages in the area range from $21.00 at the entry level to $34.07 for experienced professionals. These figures are estimates based on annual salary data, underscoring the value of dental assistant hourly pay in Taunton.
About the Taunton 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) | $21.00 | $167.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.50 | $195.97 |
| Median (P50) | $26.00 | $208.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.83 | $254.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.07 | $272.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Taunton
Based on $26.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.00/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Taunton, MA can expect to earn approximately $54,083 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,202. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Taunton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Taunton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,040.06 | $4,507 | $54,083 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $624.04 | $2,704 | $32,450 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $416.03 | $1,803 | $21,633 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Taunton) | $26.00 |
| 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 Taunton, MA earn a median of $54,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.10% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,916.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.00/hr = $32,450/year (purchasing power: $29,908).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,083/year (purchasing power: $49,846).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Taunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Taunton grew 19.9% from $21.02/hr (2019) to $25.21/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.82/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 Taunton 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 Taunton
For dental assistants working part-time, those committed to a regular three-day week can anticipate an annual income that remains competitive, yet significantly lower than what full-time colleagues make. Per-diem positions, commonly billed at rates between $22 and $35 per hour, allow for even greater flexibility, particularly for assistants seeking to specialize in higher-paying roles in oral surgery or orthodontics, where pay can reach up to $45 per hour. The variability in hourly rates often reflects the type of employer, with corporate dental service organizations and specialized practices offering different compensation structures compared to private or community clinics. Some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly rates to secure health benefits, which can be a crucial factor for many in deciding their employment path. Negotiating hourly rates is particularly beneficial in Taunton, where understanding the local market and the standards set by larger DSO chains can help candidates advocate effectively for themselves.
More salary data for Taunton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Taunton in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Taunton?
Are dental assistants in Taunton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Taunton?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Taunton?
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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 Taunton. 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 Taunton 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