Dental Assistant Salary in Braintree, MA: $52,978 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Braintree, MA earns a median $52,978/year (≈ $25.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Braintree's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $48,828 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Braintree, Massachusetts, the 2026 median annual salary for dental assistants is projected to be $52,978, which reflects a slight premium compared to the national median of $49,579. This figure places Braintree at approximately 6.86% above the national average, suggesting a competitive job market for dental assistants in the area. Salaries range from $43,910 at the 10th percentile to $67,407 at the 90th percentile, allowing for significant earning potential depending on experience and specialization. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. Dental assistants with specialties in areas like oral surgery and orthodontics typically command higher salaries, making specialized training a valuable investment for job seekers in Braintree.
About the Braintree Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,910 | $21.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,652 | $24.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,978 | $25.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,808 | $30.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,407 | $32.41 |
Median Salary Position
6.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Braintree
In Braintree, MA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,497 (2026 est.). At $52,978, the local median is 6.86% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Braintree: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Braintree Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Braintree median: $52,978/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Braintree Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $54,899 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +6.86% more |
Dental Assistants in Braintree, MA earn a median of $52,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.86% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,899.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Braintree has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Braintree, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,978 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,828 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,827
2025 BLS Actual
$51,365
2026 Current Est.
$52,978
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Braintree (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,827 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,003 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,892 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,454 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,365 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,978 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,641 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Braintree metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $42,827 (2019) to $51,365 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,641 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,814 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Braintree 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) | $43,910 – $50,652 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,652 – $52,978 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,978 – $63,808 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,808 – $67,407 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Braintree
Within Braintree's dental assistant job market, there are currently seven individuals employed in this capacity, signaling a niche yet stable demand for skilled professionals. The cost of living index for Braintree stands at 108.5, indicating that living expenses are slightly above the national average, which can influence overall purchasing power. Generally, dental assistants working in specialized settings, such as periodontal or orthodontic practices, earn more than those in general dental offices, with DSO chains like Aspen and Heartland often offering structured pay scales that can enhance overall compensation. Factors contributing to the earnings disparity include the applicant's credentials, such as an EFDA certification, and roles with dual responsibilities, such as treatment coordinators. To maximize earnings in Braintree, professionals should consider acquiring specialized training and certifications, actively seek opportunities within high-paying specialties, and explore roles that offer advancement within dental service organizations.
More salary data for Braintree, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $51,365 for dental assistantsin the Braintree 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 Braintree 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