Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Bristol, RI: $22.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Bristol, RI runs $22.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,169 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,305 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, RI, the projected dental assistant hourly pay stands at $22.68, slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This competitive rate is reflective of a market that includes various employment settings such as general dentistry practices, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics. For those interested in part-time work, a dental assistant working three days a week can expect to earn around $18.03 at the lower end of the pay scale, while top earners can reach up to $28.43 per hour. These hourly figures are crucial especially for per-diem dental assistants, who often work in diverse environments like oral surgery procedure rooms or dental school clinics, providing valuable flexible options for individuals entering or transitioning within the dental field.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.03 | $144.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.96 | $167.66 |
| Median (P50) | $22.68 | $181.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.92 | $207.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.43 | $227.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $22.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.68/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, RI can expect to earn approximately $47,175 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,217. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $907.22 | $3,931 | $47,175 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $544.33 | $2,359 | $28,305 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.89 | $1,573 | $18,870 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Bristol) | $22.68 |
| 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 Bristol, RI earn a median of $47,169 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $49,809.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.68/hr = $28,305/year (purchasing power: $28,164).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,175/year (purchasing power: $46,941).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Bristol grew 19.9% from $18.33/hr (2019) to $21.99/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.39/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
When considering the financial implications of part-time versus full-time work, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week may take home approximately $29,059 annually, which falls short compared to the annual total of a full-time position. Those seeking per diem roles might capitalize on higher billing rates, ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, and even more for specialty roles, where per diem pay can reach as high as $28 to $45 per hour. Dental assistants employed in Bristol benefit from a varied employment landscape, with differing hourly rates across employer types — from solo practices to larger Dental Service Organization (DSO) chains. It’s essential for dental assistants to weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages offered by agencies and the stability of regular employment with benefits. Negotiation strategies can also play a key role in securing competitive rates, especially in an evolving job market influenced by DSO consolidations and the varying authority structures for expanded functions across states.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Bristol?
Are dental assistants in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Bristol?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bristol?
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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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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