Dental Assistant Salary in Rhode Island
Based on 1K+ workers in Rhode Island
Median Annual Salary (RI)
$50,150
$24.11/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
+2.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $61K
1K employed in Rhode Island
The median Dental Assistant salary in Rhode Island is $50,150 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of approximately $24. This figure is slightly higher than the national average by 2.1%, indicating a competitive market for these professionals within the state. With around 1,050 individuals employed in this role, Rhode Island offers a stable environment for dental assistants.
Several factors can influence a Dental Assistant salary in Rhode Island, including years of experience, specific skills possessed, and the geographic location within the state. Dental assistants in urban areas or those with specialized certifications may command higher salaries. The type and size of the dental practice, whether a general dentist or a specialized clinic, also plays a role in compensation.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Rhode Island
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,640 |
| 25th percentile | $48,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $50,150 |
| 75th percentile | $59,170 |
| 90th percentile | $60,900 |
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Rhode Island) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $50,150 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,655 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Rhode Island Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $50,150 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,655 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $50,150 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,170 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $60,900 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Rhode Island
How other high-demand occupations in Rhode Island compare to Dental Assistant ($50,150 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in RI | $512,730 | +922.4% | $246.50/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in RI | $467,160 | +831.5% | $224.60/hr |
| Cardiologist in RI | $395,610 | +688.9% | $190.20/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in RI | $379,490 | +656.7% | $182.45/hr |
| Psychiatrist in RI | $287,610 | +473.5% | $138.27/hr |
| Pediatrician in RI | $218,080 | +334.9% | $104.85/hr |
| Surgeon in RI | $199,990 | +298.8% | $96.15/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in RI | $166,390 | +231.8% | $80.00/hr |
| Dentist in RI | $161,560 | +222.2% | $77.67/hr |
| Podiatrist in RI | $159,760 | +218.6% | $76.81/hr |
| Physician Assistant in RI | $139,930 | +179.0% | $67.27/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in RI | $135,970 | +171.1% | $65.37/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in Rhode Island?
- The median salary for a Dental Assistant in Rhode Island is $50,150 annually, equating to about $24 per hour. This median reflects the midpoint of earnings for the profession in the state.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Rhode Island?
- In Rhode Island, Dental Assistants can expect to earn within a range of $45,640 to $60,900 per year. This indicates a significant difference between entry-level and experienced professionals.
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Rhode Island compare to the national average?
- Dental Assistants in Rhode Island earn approximately 2.1% more than the national average. This suggests that Rhode Island offers a slightly more favorable compensation landscape for this career.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in Rhode Island?
- There are approximately 1,050 Dental Assistants employed across Rhode Island. This provides a good overview of the job market size for this profession in the state.