Dental Assistant salary in Providence-Warwick, RI-MA
Dental Assistants in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area earn a median of $49,460 a year ($23.78 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,650 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,700 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,510 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 1% lower than the Rhode Island statewide median of $50,150. There are 2.3 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $52,100, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Providence-Warwick, RI-MA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,700 | $21.49 |
| 25th percentile | $47,830 | $23.00 |
| Median | $49,460 | $23.78 |
| 75th percentile | $58,480 | $28.12 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,510 | $29.09 |
| Average (mean) | $52,100 | $25.05 |
Half of dental assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,121.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,060.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,902.31 |
| Weekly | $951.15 |
| Hourly | $23.78 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $49,460 salary, see how much house you can afford in Rhode Island at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Dental Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $58,160 | 7,190 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $58,080 | 240 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $54,970 | 160 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $51,470 | 130 |
| Worcester, MA | $50,720 | 880 |
| Springfield, MA | $49,690 | 610 |
Highest-paying states for dental assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $65,270 |
| District of Columbia | $60,580 |
| Maine | $60,070 |
| New Hampshire | $59,530 |
| Oregon | $59,490 |
| Washington | $58,090 |
| Massachusetts | $57,980 |
| North Dakota | $57,770 |
| Alaska | $57,710 |
| Connecticut | $56,850 |
See Dental Assistant pay in every state or the Rhode Island statewide figures.
Related jobs in Providence-Warwick, RI-MA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $47,020 | $22.61 |
| Phlebotomist | $46,430 | $22.32 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $43,190 | $20.76 |
| Massage Therapist | $60,420 | $29.05 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $46,430 | $22.32 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $48,930 | $23.52 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $35,300 | $16.97 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $37,850 | $18.20 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $40,890 | $19.66 |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,330 | $22.27 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $72,150 | $34.69 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $67,300 | $32.36 |
| Orderly | $39,180 | $18.84 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $31,200 | $15.00 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Providence-Warwick, RI-MA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-9091. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make in Providence-Warwick, RI-MA?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area is $49,460 a year, or $23.78 an hour. Pay ranges from $44,700 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,510 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Providence-Warwick, RI-MA?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area earn at least $60,510 a year. The top 25% earn $58,480 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Providence-Warwick, RI-MA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,700 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $47,830 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Providence-Warwick, RI-MA?
About 1,650 dental assistants are employed in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area, not counting the self-employed.