Dental Assistant Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 10K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$57,980
$27.88/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
+18.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $73K
10K employed in Massachusetts
The median Dental Assistant salary in Massachusetts is $57,980 per year, which equates to roughly $28 per hour. This figure indicates that dental assistants in the Bay State are earning significantly more than the national average, by approximately 18.1%.
Several factors can influence a Dental Assistant salary in Massachusetts. These often include years of experience, the specific dental practice's location and size, and any specialized certifications or additional skills a dental assistant may possess. Demand for dental services also plays a role in determining compensation.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,270 |
| 25th percentile | $48,600 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $57,980 |
| 75th percentile | $60,720 |
| 90th percentile | $72,790 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Assistants in Massachusetts tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $71,800 | 50 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $55,270 | 6K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $54,260 | — |
| Manufacturing | $52,290 | 130 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,020 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Assistant in Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $57,980 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,719 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $57,980 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,719 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,600 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $57,980 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $60,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $72,790 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Dental Assistant ($57,980 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MA | $426,560 | +635.7% | $205.08/hr |
| Surgeon in MA | $387,150 | +567.7% | $186.13/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MA | $356,230 | +514.4% | $171.26/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MA | $295,550 | +409.7% | $142.09/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MA | $285,250 | +392.0% | $137.14/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MA | $277,490 | +378.6% | $133.41/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MA | $272,240 | +369.5% | $130.88/hr |
| Pediatrician in MA | $221,170 | +281.5% | $106.33/hr |
| Podiatrist in MA | $217,700 | +275.5% | $104.66/hr |
| Dentist in MA | $181,600 | +213.2% | $87.31/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MA | $159,800 | +175.6% | $76.83/hr |
| Optometrist in MA | $151,730 | +161.7% | $72.95/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in Massachusetts?
- The median Dental Assistant salary in Massachusetts is $57,980 per year. This means half of dental assistants earn less than this amount, while the other half earn more.
What is the salary range for a Dental Assistant in Massachusetts?
- In Massachusetts, the typical salary range for a Dental Assistant falls between $47,270 and $72,790 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience and location within the state.
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
- Dental Assistants in Massachusetts earn approximately 18.1% more than the national average salary. This suggests a strong demand or higher cost of living influencing compensation for the role in the state.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are an estimated 9,680 Dental Assistants currently employed in Massachusetts. This number indicates a substantial presence of these professionals within the state's healthcare sector.