Senior Dental Assistant Salary in Beverly, MA: $69,191 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of dental assistants working in Beverly, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $69,191/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9091. Strip back Beverly's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $63,771 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Beverly, Massachusetts, experienced dental assistants are well-positioned to achieve top-tier earnings in 2026, with salaries reaching up to $69,191 for the highest achievers. This is particularly notable when compared to the national landscape, where the overall top dental assistant pay hovers around $49,579; Beverly's numbers indicate a significant premium for seasoned professionals. The median salary of $53,532 reflects the gap between average earners and those at the top echelons of the profession, illustrating the importance of experience in commanding premium wages. Attaining such a salary often requires advanced skills, specialized training, and a demonstrated ability to manage complex dental procedures and patient interactions, all of which position senior dental assistants as highly valued members of the dental care team.
About the Beverly Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Beverly
Experienced dental assistants at the top of the pay scale in Beverly earn between $65,132 and $69,191 per year (2026 est.). This $28,093 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Beverly median of $53,532 sits 7.97% above the US median.
Top DA, CDA Salary Comparison
| Level | Beverly | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $53,532 | $49,579 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,132 | $59,914 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $69,191 | $64,205 |
In Beverly, experienced dental assistants (P90) earn 29.25% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Dental Assistant Pay in Beverly
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA dental assistants with additional specialty certifications within the dental assisting field earn significantly above the $53,532 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Beverly employers.
Specialty Focus
Dental Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the dental assisting field in Beverly command premium compensation, often reaching the $65,132–$69,191 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Beverly metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced dental assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured dental assistants in Beverly with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Dental Assistants in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Dental Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Beverly
Clinical Dental Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Dental Assistant
5-10 yearsDental Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBeverly ranks #24 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner dental assistant salary (90th percentile: $69,191).
Top 10% dental assistant compensation in Beverly ($69,191) is 4.4% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($72,378).
2019 BLS Actual
$61,352
2025 BLS Actual
$67,085
2026 Current Est.
$69,191
2019–2027 Growth
+16.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Beverly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,352 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,925 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,165 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,798 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,803 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,714 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,085 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,191 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,364 | Projected |
Top-earning dental assistants (90th percentile) in Beverly saw their compensation grow 9.3% from $61,352 in 2019 to $67,085 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.14% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $71,364 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beverly 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.
Maximizing Your Dental Assistant Earnings in Beverly
Compensation for senior dental assistants in Beverly is significantly influenced by specialization. Those holding roles like expanded function dental assistants (EFDA), orthodontic assistants, or oral surgery assistants typically command higher salaries due to their advanced skill sets. The type of employer also plays a critical role; dental assistants in pediatric practices or oral surgery tend to earn more than those in general practices, with organizations like Heartland and Aspen Dental solidifying standardized pay scales that ensure competitive compensation across multiple locations. For those considering leadership, paths such as lead dental assistant or clinical coordinator align with greater responsibilities and increased pay opportunities. Furthermore, credentials like the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or state-specific licensing can amplify earnings and open new career pathways. Alongside salary, non-monetary benefits such as mentorship roles or allowances for continuing education enhance the overall compensation for experienced dental assistants in MA, making it an enticing field for career development.
More salary data for Beverly, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced dental assistants make in Beverly in 2026?
What drives higher dental assistant pay in Beverly?
What certifications boost dental assistant salary in Beverly?
Can experienced dental assistants make six figures in Beverly?
How much does dental assistant salary increase over time in Beverly?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $67,085 for dental assistants in the Beverly metro area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Beverly 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