Healthcare Providence, RI Pop. 190,934

Dental Assistant Salary in Providence, Rhode Island

The median dental assistant salary in Providence, RI is $47,186 per year, which is 11.0% above the national median and 2.8% above the Rhode Island state average.

City Median
$47,186
vs State Avg
+$1,275
vs National
+$4,676
Cost of Living
108%

Dental Assistant Pay in Providence: What to Expect (2026)

Providence offers a median dental assistant salary of $47,186, which is $1,275 above the Rhode Island state average of $45,911. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Providence pays above average for this role.

Providence's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental assistants in Providence spans from $33,300 at the 10th percentile to $66,600 at the 90th percentile — a $33,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,410, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,380. With a population of 190,934, Providence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Providence by Experience

In Providence, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $34,410, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,380 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,410
+$3,410 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,730
+$4,730 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,380
+$6,380 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Providence, RI

Percentile Providence
10th Percentile $33,300
25th Percentile $38,850
Median (50th) $47,186
75th Percentile $57,720
90th Percentile $66,600

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Rhode Island Cities

Warwick, RI
$44,636
Pop. 82,823
Cranston, RI
$43,785
Pop. 82,934
East Providence, RI
$42,935
Pop. 47,139
Pawtucket, RI
$42,085
Pop. 75,604

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Providence

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Providence and the surrounding Rhode Island area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Providence may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Providence

Browse open dental assistant positions in Providence, RI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Providence

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Providence, RI? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Providence, Rhode Island is $47,186 per year, which is 11.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $33,300 (10th percentile) to $66,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Providence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,186, a dental assistant in Providence earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Providence compare to the Rhode Island state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Providence's median dental assistant salary of $47,186 is 2.8% above the Rhode Island state average of $45,911. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Providence, RI? ▼
Providence has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $47,186 in Providence has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Providence? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Providence require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.