Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Providence, RI: $24.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Providence, RI runs $24.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,013 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.8, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,609 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Providence, RI, are expected to earn a median hourly rate of $24.53, which is slightly above the national average hourly rate of $23.84. This pay reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals within a variety of settings including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery procedure rooms. A part-time dental assistant working three days a week can earn around $1,177.44 weekly based on this hourly rate, and will find their hourly earnings ranging from $22.16 at the entry-level to as much as $30.00 for the most experienced practitioners. These figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2026, provide insights into the competitive landscape for dental assistant hourly pay in Providence.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.16 | $177.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.72 | $189.78 |
| Median (P50) | $24.53 | $196.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.00 | $232.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.00 | $240.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Providence
Based on $24.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.53/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $51,016 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,432. With a cost-of-living index of 101.77 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $981.07 | $4,251 | $51,016 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $588.64 | $2,551 | $30,609 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $392.43 | $1,701 | $20,406 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Providence) | $24.53 |
| 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 Providence, RI earn a median of $51,013 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.89% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.40% above the Rhode Island state average of $49,817.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.53/hr = $30,609/year (purchasing power: $30,076).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,016/year (purchasing power: $50,127).
CoL index: 101.773 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Providence grew 8.1% from $21.99/hr (2019) to $23.78/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.30/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 Providence 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 Providence
For dental assistants contemplating part-time work schedules or per-diem opportunities, the financial implications can differ significantly. A part-time dental assistant working a 24-hour week can expect an annual income of approximately $61,161.84, which can provide a comfortable living depending on personal financial obligations. Per diem dental assistant pay in Providence often ranges from $22 to $35, with specialty roles, such as orthodontics or oral surgery, commanding higher rates between $28 and $45 per hour. Hourly earnings also vary based on the type of employer, with general dental practices typically offering lower rates compared to specialty offices and dental schools. Some dental assistants may opt for a lower hourly rate due to the inclusion of benefits like health insurance, while others may prefer the flexibility and higher pay associated with independent contracting. It's essential for hourly workers to negotiate effectively based on their qualifications and the current supply-demand dynamics in Providence's dental market, particularly as larger DSO chains implement more standardized pay scales across their locations.
More salary data for Providence, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Providence in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Providence?
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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 Providence. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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