Senior Dental Assistant Salary in Quincy, MA: $73,475 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of dental assistants working in Quincy, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $73,475/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9091. Strip back Quincy's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $67,719 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Quincy, Massachusetts, the potential for a senior dental assistant’s earnings is significant, with top-tier professionals reaching impressive figures, such as the 2026 projected P90 salary of $73,475. This compensation surpasses the national benchmark for top earners in the field, which stands at $49,579. The gap between the median annual salary of $54,458 and those at the high end of the pay scale illustrates the rewarding nature of advanced roles within this profession. Achieving such coveted pay typically requires more than seven years of experience and often involves specialization, additional certifications, or positions that transcend traditional duties, such as orthodontic or oral surgery assisting.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Experienced dental assistants at the top of the pay scale in Quincy earn between $67,624 and $73,475 per year (2026 est.). This $31,419 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Quincy median of $54,458 sits 9.84% above the US median.
Top DA, CDA Salary Comparison
| Level | Quincy | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $54,458 | $49,579 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,624 | $59,914 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $73,475 | $64,205 |
In Quincy, experienced dental assistants (P90) earn 34.92% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Dental Assistant Pay in Quincy
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA dental assistants with additional specialty certifications within the dental assisting field earn significantly above the $54,458 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Quincy employers.
Specialty Focus
Dental Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the dental assisting field in Quincy command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,624–$73,475 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Quincy 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 Quincy 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 Quincy
Clinical Dental Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Dental Assistant
5-10 yearsDental Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedQuincy ranks #7 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner dental assistant salary (90th percentile: $73,475).
Top 10% dental assistant compensation in Quincy ($73,475) is 1.51% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($72,378).
2019 BLS Actual
$65,150
2025 BLS Actual
$71,238
2026 Current Est.
$73,475
2019–2027 Growth
+16.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,821 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,137 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,748 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,156 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,238 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,475 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,782 | Projected |
Top-earning dental assistants (90th percentile) in Quincy saw their compensation grow 9.3% from $65,150 in 2019 to $71,238 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 $75,782 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
A distinguishing characteristic of senior dental assistant pay in MA encompasses various specialist roles that command heightened compensation. For example, an expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) can earn significantly more compared to their generalist counterparts, reflecting a trend where experienced professionals gravitate toward positions in orthodontics or oral surgery, which often offer higher financial incentives. Compensation also varies by employer type, with dental practice groups and DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen typically providing structured pay scales that favor experienced staff, compared to independent offices. Career advancement is a cornerstone for many, leading to roles such as treatment coordinator or office manager, especially within larger practices where operational responsibilities increase. Gaining credentials through recognized programs, such as the DANB CDA, enhances earning potential, allowing professionals in Quincy to capitalize on their experience through specialized roles and expanded duties, which can lead to non-salary benefits like stipends for mentorship or additional certifications in areas like radiology and anesthesia.
More salary data for Quincy, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced dental assistants make in Quincy in 2026?
What drives higher dental assistant pay in Quincy?
What certifications boost dental assistant salary in Quincy?
Can experienced dental assistants make six figures in Quincy?
How much does dental assistant salary increase over time in Quincy?
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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 $71,238 for dental assistants in the Quincy 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 Quincy 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