Dental Assistant Salary in East Providence, RI: $49,390 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in East Providence, RI earns a median $49,390/year (≈ $23.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in East Providence's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $49,144 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in East Providence, Rhode Island, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $49,390, slightly below the national median of $49,579. This salary reflects the influence of the state's expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) rules, which often lead to pay that exceeds standard dental assistant rates. Local salaries range from $39,209 at the 10th percentile to $62,220 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant earning potential for experienced and specialized practitioners. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, demonstrate both the competitive nature of the market and the importance of additional credentials or specializations in driving compensation higher in East Providence, RI.
About the East Providence Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,209 | $18.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,830 | $22.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,390 | $23.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,219 | $28.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,220 | $29.91 |
Median Salary Position
0.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Providence
In East Providence, RI, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,011 (2026 est.). At $49,390, the local median is 0.38% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Providence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Providence Dental Assistant Pay Compares
East Providence median: $49,390/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Providence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $49,838 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -0.38% less |
Dental Assistants in East Providence, RI earn a median of $49,390 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.38% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $49,838.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Providence has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,390 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,144 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,927
2025 BLS Actual
$47,886
2026 Current Est.
$49,390
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in East Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,927 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,022 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,512 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,648 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,362 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,824 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,886 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,390 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,940 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Providence metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $39,927 (2019) to $47,886 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,940 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,013 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Providence 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) | $39,209 – $45,830 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,830 – $49,390 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,390 – $59,219 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,219 – $62,220 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in East Providence
Within the local job market, there are currently 10 dental assistants employed in East Providence, which suggests a niche yet steady demand for professionals in this role. The cost of living index stands at 100.5, indicating that while expenses are slightly above the national average, take-home purchasing power remains relatively stable. Among the various employers, those in orthodontic practices and oral surgery typically offer the highest salaries, while general dental practices may present more modest pay scales. Factors such as specialty practice, EFDA certification, and responsibilities like treatment coordination can significantly affect salary ranges; for instance, those in leadership roles or mentorship positions may see enhanced stipends. For dental assistants considering opportunities in East Providence, pursuing additional certifications and gaining experience in specialized practices can lead to improved pay outcomes in this competitive market.
More salary data for East Providence, RI:
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 $47,886 for dental assistantsin the East Providence 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 East Providence 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