Dental Assistant Salary in Woonsocket, RI: $48,164 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Woonsocket, RI earns a median $48,164/year (≈ $23.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Woonsocket's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $47,924 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For dental assistants in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the projected median annual salary is set at $48,164 for 2026, a figure slightly lower than the national median of $49,579. The local salary range presents a wide spectrum, with entry-level positions earning around $40,244 while seasoned professionals can make as much as $61,424 annually. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences, reflect the demand for skilled dental assistants in a city where specialty practices, particularly in oral surgery and orthodontics, command premium wages. As Woonsocket continues to grow, the opportunities for dental assistants, especially those with specialized training, are likely to expand.
About the Woonsocket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,244 | $19.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,140 | $22.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,164 | $23.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,289 | $27.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,424 | $29.53 |
Median Salary Position
2.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Woonsocket
In Woonsocket, RI, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,180 (2026 est.). At $48,164, the local median is 2.85% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Woonsocket: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Woonsocket Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Woonsocket median: $48,164/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Woonsocket Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $49,808 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -2.85% less |
Dental Assistants in Woonsocket, RI earn a median of $48,164 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.85% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $49,808.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Woonsocket has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Woonsocket, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,164 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,924 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,936
2025 BLS Actual
$46,698
2026 Current Est.
$48,164
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Woonsocket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,936 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,005 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,557 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,541 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,212 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,687 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,698 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,164 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,677 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Woonsocket metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,936 (2019) to $46,698 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,677 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,741 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woonsocket 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) | $40,244 – $46,140 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,140 – $48,164 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,164 – $56,289 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,289 – $61,424 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Woonsocket
When evaluating dental assistant pay in Woonsocket, RI, it’s essential to consider the local job market, where currently nine dental assistants are employed. The cost of living index at 100.5 indicates a slight increase over the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may afford less purchasing power than in other regions. Among local employers, general dental practices typically offer lower salaries than specialty offices, with orthodontic and periodontal practices often providing higher compensation due to the specialized skills required. Factors influencing the wage variance include the type of practice, the presence of expanded functions such as EFDA roles, and opportunities for advancement to positions like treatment coordinator. To enhance earning potential, dental assistants should pursue additional certifications through DANB and explore roles in DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen, which often provide structured pay scales and benefits.
More salary data for Woonsocket, 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 $46,698 for dental assistantsin the Woonsocket 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 Woonsocket 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