Dental Assistant Salary in Bristol, RI: $47,169 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Bristol, RI earns a median $47,169/year (≈ $22.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $46,934 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Bristol, Rhode Island, can expect a median annual salary of $47,169 in 2026, revealing a competitive pay scale compared to the national median of $49,579. The salary range for this occupation varies widely, from $37,504 at the 10th percentile to $59,118 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential for significant income growth, especially for those who specialize in oral surgery or orthodontics. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for Rhode Island's cost of living, suggest that these figures reflect the unique economic conditions in Bristol, where demand for skilled dental professionals remains robust.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,504 | $18.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,598 | $20.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,169 | $22.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,914 | $25.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,118 | $28.43 |
Median Salary Position
4.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, RI, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,614 (2026 est.). At $47,169, the local median is 4.86% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Bristol median: $47,169/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $49,809 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -4.86% less |
Dental Assistants in Bristol, RI earn a median of $47,169 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $49,809.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,169 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,934 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,131
2025 BLS Actual
$45,733
2026 Current Est.
$47,169
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,131 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,178 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,641 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,277 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,764 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,169 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,650 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,131 (2019) to $45,733 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,650 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,519 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $37,504 – $43,598 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,598 – $47,169 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,169 – $53,914 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,914 – $59,118 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Bristol
With only five dental assistants employed in the area, Bristol's job market presents both opportunities and challenges. The cost-of-living index stands at 100.5, slightly above the national average, which may impact purchasing power for local employees. Among local employers, those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics typically offer the highest salaries, capitalizing on the advanced skills required in these fields. Factors driving the salary range include the level of specialization, such as the importance of credentials like the Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) and the designation of treatment coordinators. As the dental assistance realm continues to evolve, strategies such as obtaining additional certifications through the DANB or pursuing roles in larger DSO chains can significantly enhance earning potential in the Bristol, RI, market.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Bristol, RI in 2026?
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Can dental assistants make $100K in Bristol?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental assistant salary in Bristol?
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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 $45,733 for dental assistantsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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