Dental Assistant salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
Dental Assistants in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA metro area earn a median of $54,970 a year ($26.43 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $61,850 for the top 10%. That is 14% higher than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 5% lower than the Massachusetts statewide median of $57,980. There are 2.4 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $53,720, close to the median.
Pay range for dental assistants in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,490 | $18.99 |
| 25th percentile | $48,670 | $23.40 |
| Median | $54,970 | $26.43 |
| 75th percentile | $58,120 | $27.94 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $61,850 | $29.74 |
| Average (mean) | $53,720 | $25.83 |
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 | $4,580.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,290.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,114.23 |
| Weekly | $1,057.12 |
| Hourly | $26.43 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $54,970 salary, see how much house you can afford in Massachusetts 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 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $51,470 | 130 |
| Worcester, MA | $50,720 | 880 |
| Springfield, MA | $49,690 | 610 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $49,460 | 1,650 |
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 Massachusetts statewide figures.
Related jobs in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $47,260 | $22.72 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $47,010 | $22.60 |
| Phlebotomist | $49,670 | $23.88 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $41,700 | $20.05 |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,110 | $22.17 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $76,380 | $36.72 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Amherst Town-Northampton, 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 Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA metro area is $54,970 a year, or $26.43 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $61,850 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA metro area earn at least $61,850 a year. The top 25% earn $58,120 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,490 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $48,670 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
About 160 dental assistants are employed in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA metro area, not counting the self-employed.