Dental Assistant Salary in Newport, RI: $47,901 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Newport, RI earns a median $47,901/year (≈ $23.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Newport's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $47,663 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental assistant salary in Newport, Rhode Island, is projected to reach a median annual income of $47,901, slightly below the national median of $49,579. This financial positioning reflects the state's unique Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) regulations, which permit dental assistants in some practices to perform advanced procedures, subsequently driving wages higher than general dental assistant rates. The salary range for dental assistants in this region varies significantly, with the lower tier starting at $38,154 and the upper range reaching $60,583. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, alongside regional cost adjustments that take into account local economic conditions. Newport's dental job market now offers competitive compensation driven by the evolving responsibilities of dental assistants and specific state regulations.
About the Newport Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,154 | $18.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,505 | $21.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,901 | $23.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,471 | $27.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,583 | $29.13 |
Median Salary Position
3.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newport
In Newport, RI, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,429 (2026 est.). At $47,901, the local median is 3.38% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newport: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newport Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Newport median: $47,901/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $49,845 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -3.38% less |
Dental Assistants in Newport, RI earn a median of $47,901 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.38% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $49,845.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newport has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newport, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,901 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,663 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,723
2025 BLS Actual
$46,443
2026 Current Est.
$47,901
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Newport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,723 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,786 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,351 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,303 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,965 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,443 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,443 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,901 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,405 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newport metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,723 (2019) to $46,443 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,405 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,682 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport 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) | $38,154 – $44,505 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,505 – $47,901 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,901 – $57,471 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,471 – $60,583 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Newport
The job market in Newport shows a small but steady employment pool of six dental assistants, balancing out the competitiveness of positions available. With a cost-of-living index slightly above the national average at 100.5, potential dental assistants should consider how this affects their take-home purchasing power. Employers paying the highest wages typically include specialty practices such as oral surgery and orthodontics, where the skill set commands a premium. Variability in pay is influenced by factors such as specialty practice, EFDA credentials, and roles with additional responsibilities like treatment coordination. Those looking to maximize their dental assistant pay Newport RI should seek training in expanded functions and consider roles in DSO chains, which often offer structured pay scales, additional benefits, and opportunities for career advancement, including pathways toward becoming a registered dental hygienist.
More salary data for Newport, 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 $46,443 for dental assistantsin the Newport 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 Newport 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