Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Warwick, RI: $25.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Warwick, RI runs $25.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,048 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Warwick's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,227 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $25.02, the compensation for dental assistants in Warwick, Rhode Island, is slightly above the national hourly median of $23.84. This pay rate allows for a relatively comfortable living, especially for part-time workers in various dental settings like pediatric offices or oral surgery suites. Part-time dental assistants working three days a week can expect to earn a solid income, while per-diem workers handling temporary positions might find themselves at the lower end of the pay spectrum, typically earning between $19.13 and $32.50 per hour based on experience and the nature of the services provided. The hourly rates for dental assistants in Warwick range from $19.13 for entry-level roles to about $32.50 for those at the upper end of the pay scale, reflecting the diversity of positions available within the dental field.
About the Warwick 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) | $19.13 | $153.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.82 | $182.60 |
| Median (P50) | $25.02 | $200.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.41 | $243.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.50 | $260.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Warwick
Based on $25.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.02/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Warwick, RI can expect to earn approximately $52,045 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,026. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Warwick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Warwick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,000.87 | $4,337 | $52,045 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $600.52 | $2,602 | $31,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $400.35 | $1,735 | $20,818 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Warwick) | $25.02 |
| 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 Warwick, RI earn a median of $52,048 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.98% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 4.50% above the Rhode Island state average of $49,806.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.02/hr = $31,227/year (purchasing power: $31,072).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,045/year (purchasing power: $51,786).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Warwick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Warwick grew 19.9% from $20.23/hr (2019) to $24.26/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.81/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 Warwick 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 Warwick
For part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week, the take-home pay can be significantly affected compared to full-time counterparts, with many part-time DAs earning sufficient income to meet their needs while maintaining a desired work-life balance. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Warwick can range from $22 to $35 per hour for general roles, with specialized positions in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding higher rates between $28 and $45 per hour. Dental assistants employed in various types of practices—ranging from general and pediatric dental offices to specialized surgical and periodontal practices—may find that employers like Heartland or Aspen offer standardized pay rates but often come with health benefits. While some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for security and benefits, others pursue higher hourly pay without benefits, which presents its own risks. For those in Warwick, knowing how to negotiate effectively for hourly wages is essential given the varying pay structures across diverse dental practices.
More salary data for Warwick, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Warwick in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Warwick?
Are dental assistants in Warwick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Warwick?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Warwick?
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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 Warwick. 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 Warwick 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