Dental Assistant Salary in Framingham, MA: $55,018 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Framingham, MA earns a median $55,018/year (≈ $26.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Framingham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $50,708 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a dental assistant salary in Framingham, Massachusetts, is projected to reach a median of $55,018, marking a noteworthy increase over previous years, especially when compared to the national median of $49,579. The local salary range varies from $41,592 at the 10th percentile to $70,451 at the 90th percentile, clearly indicating diverse earning potential within the field. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions, including a cost of living index that sits at 108.5, higher than the national average. This dynamic environment reflects how the consolidation of dental support organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen is influencing pay structures, offering standardized salaries, while also highlighting the flexibility that smaller practices can afford.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,592 | $20.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,658 | $23.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,018 | $26.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,420 | $31.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,451 | $33.87 |
Median Salary Position
10.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Framingham
In Framingham, MA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,859 (2026 est.). At $55,018, the local median is 10.97% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Framingham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Framingham Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Framingham median: $55,018/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Framingham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $54,908 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +10.97% more |
Dental Assistants in Framingham, MA earn a median of $55,018 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.97% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.20% above the Massachusetts state average of $54,908.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Framingham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Framingham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,018 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,708 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,477
2025 BLS Actual
$53,343
2026 Current Est.
$55,018
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Framingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,477 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,697 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,901 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,736 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,645 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,551 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,343 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,018 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,746 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Framingham metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $44,477 (2019) to $53,343 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,746 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,269 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Framingham 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) | $41,592 – $49,658 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,658 – $55,018 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,018 – $66,420 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,420 – $70,451 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Framingham
With 17 dental assistants employed locally, the job market in Framingham is relatively stable but competitive. The above-average cost of living impacts what dental assistants might net after expenses, making it crucial to strategically consider where to work. Generally, specialty practices such as oral surgery or orthodontics tend to offer the highest pay, while general and pediatric dental offices might pay less. Factors such as expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) credentials can further elevate earnings, as those in regions that allow this authority often see a noteworthy salary bump. For those aiming to maximize their dental assistant pay in Framingham, pursuing specialized training or taking on hybrid roles, such as treatment coordinator responsibilities, can significantly improve overall compensation.
More salary data for Framingham, 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 $53,343 for dental assistantsin the Framingham 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 Framingham 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