Dental Assistant Salary in Medford, MA: $54,240 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Medford, MA earns a median $54,240/year (≈ $26.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Medford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $49,991 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Medford, Massachusetts, can expect a competitive salary, with a median annual earning of $54,240 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $49,579. This salary reflects the unique dynamics of Medford’s dental market, where the salary range extends from $44,045 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $71,347 at the top (90th percentile). The availability of expanded function roles, facilitated by state regulations, enhances earning potential, allowing dental assistants with EFDA credentials to command higher wages compared to their peers without such qualifications. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjustments to regional price parities underscore the importance of specialized training in elevating the dental assistant pay in Medford, MA, compared to other regions.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,045 | $21.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,278 | $24.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,240 | $26.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,508 | $31.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,347 | $34.30 |
Median Salary Position
9.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medford
In Medford, MA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,302 (2026 est.). At $54,240, the local median is 9.4% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Medford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Medford Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Medford median: $54,240/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Medford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $54,899 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +9.40% more |
Dental Assistants in Medford, MA earn a median of $54,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.40% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,899.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Medford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Medford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,240 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,991 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,848
2025 BLS Actual
$52,589
2026 Current Est.
$54,240
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,848 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,051 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,294 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,033 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,915 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,751 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,589 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,240 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,943 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Medford metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $43,848 (2019) to $52,589 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,943 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,095 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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) | $44,045 – $51,278 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,278 – $54,240 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,240 – $64,508 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,508 – $71,347 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Medford
In examining the local job market, Medford employs around 11 dental assistants, illustrating a focused yet competitive employment sector. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, aspiring dental assistants should consider how take-home pay aligns with living expenses in the area. Generally, those working in specialized dental offices—such as oral surgery or orthodontic practices—tend to earn more than their counterparts in general dentistry, largely due to the complexity of procedures and required expertise. Furthermore, employment with DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen often provides structured pay scales, which can impact salary across various roles. Factors that influence the disparity in pay include the level of specialization, potential hybrid roles like treatment coordinators, and the presence of EFDA credentials. Dental assistants in Medford are encouraged to seek additional certifications and consider various employment avenues to maximize their earning potential in this evolving market.
More salary data for Medford, 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 $52,589 for dental assistantsin the Medford 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 Medford 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