Dental Assistant Salary in Malden, MA: $55,066 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Malden, MA earns a median $55,066/year (≈ $26.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Malden's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $50,752 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Malden, Massachusetts, the 2026 median salary for dental assistants is projected to reach $55,066, which reflects a competitive edge compared to the national average of $49,579. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $41,706 and experienced professionals earning up to $70,751. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, are indicative of the high standards and regulations governing dental practices in Massachusetts, particularly the state's expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) rules. As a result, skilled dental assistants can command higher wages in Malden, making it an attractive location for those in the field.
About the Malden Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,706 | $20.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,760 | $23.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,066 | $26.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,452 | $31.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,751 | $34.02 |
Median Salary Position
11.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Malden
In Malden, MA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,045 (2026 est.). At $55,066, the local median is 11.07% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Malden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Malden Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Malden median: $55,066/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Malden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $54,902 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +11.07% more |
Dental Assistants in Malden, MA earn a median of $55,066 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.07% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $54,902.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Malden has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Malden, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,066 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,752 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,516
2025 BLS Actual
$53,390
2026 Current Est.
$55,066
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Malden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,516 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,737 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,939 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,691 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,066 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,796 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Malden metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $44,516 (2019) to $53,390 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,796 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,280 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Malden 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) | $41,706 – $49,760 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,760 – $55,066 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,066 – $66,452 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,452 – $70,751 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Malden
The job market in Malden is relatively concentrated, with around 15 dental assistants currently employed in the area. The local cost-of-living index stands at 108.5, which reflects an above-average living expense compared to the national standard. This reality emphasizes the need for competitive dental assistant pay in Malden MA to ensure adequate purchasing power. General dental practices, including larger DSO chains such as Heartland and Aspen, often offer the most lucrative positions. The disparity in pay can be attributed to various factors, including credentials such as EFDA, the nature of the dental specialization, and roles that integrate additional responsibilities like treatment coordination. To maximize earning potential, dental assistants should consider pursuing specialized training, enhancing their qualifications, and exploring opportunities within different practice types that offer stronger compensation packages.
More salary data for Malden, 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 $53,390 for dental assistantsin the Malden 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 Malden 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