Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Wellesley, MA: $25.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Wellesley, MA runs $25.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,148 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Wellesley's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,292 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wellesley, Massachusetts, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected at $25.07 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $23.84. This rate reflects the competitive nature of the local job market, making it an appealing option for those considering part-time work, particularly in typical settings such as general dentistry operatories or pediatric dental offices. For instance, a dental assistant working three days a week might average about 24 hours of work, allowing for a considerable income even in a part-time capacity. Entry-level positions start at approximately $20.24 per hour, while experienced professionals can achieve top-tier earnings of about $31.96 per hour, showcasing a healthy wage range for dental assistants in this affluent community.
About the Wellesley 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) | $20.24 | $161.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.50 | $187.96 |
| Median (P50) | $25.07 | $200.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.31 | $242.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.96 | $255.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wellesley
Based on $25.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.07/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wellesley, MA can expect to earn approximately $52,153 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,088. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wellesley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wellesley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,002.93 | $4,346 | $52,153 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $601.76 | $2,608 | $31,292 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $401.17 | $1,738 | $20,861 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Wellesley) | $25.07 |
| 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 Wellesley, MA earn a median of $52,148 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.18% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 5.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,892.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.07/hr = $31,292/year (purchasing power: $28,840).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,153/year (purchasing power: $48,067).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Wellesley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Wellesley grew 19.9% from $20.27/hr (2019) to $24.31/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.86/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 Wellesley 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 Wellesley
When considering the income potential for dental assistants in Wellesley, part-time workers earning $25.07 hourly will realize an estimated annual take-home pay of around $31,256 if they work three days a week. In contrast, those seeking flexibility through per diem opportunities can bill anywhere between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics earning between $28 and $45 per hour. This variety stems from the type of dental practice, as general practices, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics offer differing pay scales. Many dental assistants weigh the decision between higher hourly wages without benefits versus stable employment with health insurance from larger DSOs. For successfully negotiating hourly pay, it's critical to assess the local job market and understand the value of experience, certifications, and potential for expanded responsibilities, especially given the evolving landscape of dental practices in Wellesley, MA.
More salary data for Wellesley, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Wellesley 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 Wellesley. 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 Wellesley 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