Dental Assistant Salary in Manchester, CT: $58,925 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Manchester, CT earns a median $58,925/year (≈ $28.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $54,611 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Manchester, CT, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $58,925, which significantly surpasses the national median of $49,579 by 18.85%. This local salary range varies from $44,893 at the 10th percentile to $76,340 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a robust job market for dental assistants. The higher wages can be attributed to Connecticut's expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) rules, which allow credentialed assistants to perform advanced tasks, commanding higher pay rates within the field. These salary figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, indicating that the Manchester area presents favorable conditions for those pursuing a career as a dental assistant.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,893 | $21.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,626 | $25.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,925 | $28.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,487 | $34.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,340 | $36.70 |
Median Salary Position
18.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, CT, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,447 (2026 est.). At $58,925, the local median is 18.85% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Manchester median: $58,925/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $58,457 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +18.85% more |
Dental Assistants in Manchester, CT earn a median of $58,925 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.85% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $58,457.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,925 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,611 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,635
2025 BLS Actual
$57,131
2026 Current Est.
$58,925
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,635 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,942 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,947 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,268 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,313 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,408 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,131 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,925 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,775 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $47,635 (2019) to $57,131 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,775 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,140 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,893 – $53,626 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,626 – $58,925 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,925 – $71,487 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,487 – $76,340 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Manchester
The job market in Manchester includes 11 dental assistants currently employed, offering a solid foundation for prospective candidates. While the cost of living in the area is slightly above the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 107.9, this influences the buying power of local dental assistant salaries. Employers that typically offer the most competitive compensation include specialized practices like oral surgery and orthodontics, alongside corporate dental service organizations such as Heartland and Aspen, which have standardized pay scales across their locations. The disparity in pay can often be linked to various factors, such as the level of specialization, EFDA certification, or roles that combine duties like treatment coordination. For those looking to enhance their earnings in Manchester, securing an EFDA credential or taking on a mentor position could provide a pathway to higher compensation.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Manchester, CT in 2026?
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Can dental assistants make $100K in Manchester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental assistant salary in Manchester?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $57,131 for dental assistantsin the Manchester metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manchester 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