Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Woburn, MA: $25.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Woburn, MA runs $25.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,224 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Woburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,330 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woburn, Massachusetts, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at $25.10, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This competitive rate positions Woburn as an attractive market for both full-time and part-time dental assistants, particularly those working in settings such as general dentistry offices, orthodontic practices, pediatric exam rooms, and dental school clinics. For part-time professionals, specifically those working three days a week, this hourly wage translates to significant earnings, while per-diem workers can expect varying rates depending on their specialties. Dental assistants starting in entry-level positions may earn as low as $20.33, whereas seasoned professionals in high-demand specialties can reach top hourly rates of $31.25, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the region.
About the Woburn 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) | $20.33 | $162.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.01 | $184.08 |
| Median (P50) | $25.10 | $200.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.82 | $238.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.25 | $250.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woburn
Based on $25.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.10/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woburn, MA can expect to earn approximately $52,217 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,125. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Woburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,004.17 | $4,351 | $52,217 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $602.50 | $2,611 | $31,330 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $401.67 | $1,741 | $20,887 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Woburn) | $25.10 |
| 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 Woburn, MA earn a median of $52,224 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.33% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,915.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.10/hr = $31,330/year (purchasing power: $28,876).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,217/year (purchasing power: $48,126).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Woburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Woburn grew 19.9% from $20.29/hr (2019) to $24.34/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.89/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 Woburn 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 Woburn
For part-time dental assistants committing to a 24-hour work week, their annual take-home can average out favorably, particularly when compared to full-time colleagues, allowing for flexible schedules and supplementary income. The per diem dental assistant pay in Woburn can vary widely, with rates typically ranging from $22 to $35 per hour for general roles, while specialized per-diem positions in oral surgery or orthodontics can command rates from $28 to $45 per hour. The type of employer significantly impacts hourly compensation; general practices may offer different rates compared to larger dental service organizations like Heartland or Aspen, which often implement standardized pay scales. As dental assistants consider their options, many weigh the benefits of health insurance and stability against higher pay opportunities that come without benefits. For those directly negotiating their hourly rate, knowing the competitive landscape in Woburn and leveraging their specific skills, such as expanded function authority or certifications from DANB, can lead to better compensation arrangements.
More salary data for Woburn, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Woburn in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Woburn?
Are dental assistants in Woburn paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Woburn?
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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 Woburn. 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 Woburn 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