Dental Assistant Salary in South Kingstown, RI: $47,298 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in South Kingstown, RI earns a median $47,298/year (≈ $22.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in South Kingstown's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $47,063 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, can expect a median annual salary of $47,298 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the $49,579 national median for the same year. The salary range for this profession spans from $37,923 at the 10th percentile to $60,348 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations in experience and specialization within the field. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data indicate that while South Kingstown dental assistant pay shows strong potential, the regional cost of living, with an index of 100.5, slightly elevates daily expenses. This environment fosters competitive opportunities, particularly for dental assistants who specialize in oral surgery and orthodontics, which command higher premiums compared to general practice roles.
About the South Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,923 | $18.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,277 | $21.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,298 | $22.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,069 | $27.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,348 | $29.01 |
Median Salary Position
4.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Kingstown
In South Kingstown, RI, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,425 (2026 est.). At $47,298, the local median is 4.6% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Kingstown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Kingstown Dental Assistant Pay Compares
South Kingstown median: $47,298/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Kingstown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $49,840 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -4.60% less |
Dental Assistants in South Kingstown, RI earn a median of $47,298 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.60% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $49,840.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Kingstown has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Kingstown, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,298 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,063 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,236
2025 BLS Actual
$45,858
2026 Current Est.
$47,298
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in South Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,236 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,285 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,881 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,758 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,398 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,883 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,858 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,298 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,783 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Kingstown metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,236 (2019) to $45,858 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,783 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,547 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Kingstown 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) | $37,923 – $44,277 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,277 – $47,298 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,298 – $57,069 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,069 – $60,348 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in South Kingstown
In the local job market, only five dental assistants are currently employed in South Kingstown, a factor that could contribute to limited competition for available positions. The cost of living index suggests that salary levels may need to counterbalance higher expenses in the region, impacting take-home purchasing power for dental assistants in South Kingstown RI. Among various employers, oral surgery and orthodontic practices generally offer higher compensation compared to general dental offices, which often follow standardized pay scales set by larger DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen. The disparity in salaries is influenced by various factors, including specialized roles, the existence of expanded function authority in Rhode Island, and potential positions that involve treatment coordination or mentoring. To maximize earning potential, aspiring dental assistants should consider obtaining advanced certifications, such as those provided by DANB or ADAA, and seek opportunities within high-paying specialties or practices that prioritize expanded functions.
More salary data for South Kingstown, 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 $45,858 for dental assistantsin the South Kingstown 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 South Kingstown 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