RI · Cranston · Updated October 15, 2026

Dental Assistant jobs in Cranston, RI

The median dental assistant pay in the Cranston area is $23.26 per hour ($48,370 a year), with the typical range running from $22.70 to $27.73. That ranks 80th of 383 U.S. metro areas for dental assistant pay, and 191st of 339 once local prices are factored in. 1 open role with published pay is listed for Cranston. Your free pay report adds named employers and the roles open near Cranston.

Open Dental Assistant roles in Cranston

PermanentPosted yesterday

Dental Assistant

ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers · Cranston, RI

$23.00–$25.00/ hour
  • Full time
  • Req R2026-012937
New this week
View role

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Dental Assistant pay in Cranston, RI

The metro median is 1% above the Rhode Island statewide median of $23.11 per hour. Nationally the median is $22.74 per hour. BLS counts about 1,750 dental assistants employed in the Providence-Warwick metro area, 2.5 per 1,000 jobs. Employment is about as concentrated here than in the country as a whole (location quotient 1.02).

LevelPer hourPer yearCompared with U.S.
Lowest 10%$19.13$39,79016% below U.S. median
Lower quartile$22.70$47,220in line with U.S. median
Median$23.26$48,3702% above U.S. median
Upper quartile$27.73$57,68022% above U.S. median
Top 10%$29.29$60,92029% above U.S. median

How Cranston ranks

  • 80th of 383 U.S. metro areas by median hourly pay
  • 191st of 339 after adjusting for local prices

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024, Dental Assistants (SOC 31-9091), all industries. This is what employers report paying, not an offer for a specific role.

What your pay buys in Cranston

  • Overall prices in Providence-Warwick run 2% above the U.S. average (index 101.8, U.S. = 100).
  • Housing is the biggest driver: 4% above the U.S. average (index 103.9).
  • Adjusted for local prices, a $23.26 median hour buys what $22.85 buys at the national price level, 1% above the national median.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024. Prices are for the metro area, not for a single neighborhood.

Estimate your Cranston paycheck

Estimated weekly gross$837
  • Per year: $41,868
  • Per month: $3,489

Gross pay before taxes and benefits, from BLS pay levels for the Providence-Warwick metro area. For take-home pay use the take-home pay calculator.

Dental health shortage areas in Providence County

HRSA lists 8 active dental health shortage designations that include Providence County (3 population-group, 5 facility). The highest-scoring one rates 25 on a 0 to 26 scale, where a higher score means a greater shortage.

Shortage areas are where demand for dentists, hygienists and dental assistants is greatest. Federal loan repayment programs such as the NHSC and Nurse Corps cover some clinicians who work at eligible shortage-area sites. Eligibility is set by each program and by the site, so ask your recruiter before you plan around it.

Source: HRSA Health Professional Shortage Areas data warehouse, designated areas only. A designation can cover part of a county.

Dental Assistant pay in nearby cities

CityDistanceMedian payPopulation
Providence, RI5 mi$23.26/hr194,706
Warwick, RI6 mi$23.26/hr83,554
Brockton, MA32 mi$28.15/hr105,788
Framingham, MA37 mi$28.15/hr73,361
Worcester, MA38 mi$24.11/hr211,286
Weymouth Town, MA41 mi$28.15/hr60,159

Dental Assistant jobs in Rhode Island · Dental Assistant jobs nationwide

License and tax basics in Rhode Island

State registration, license or certificate where required, often including radiography. Credentials are issued state by state, so confirm what Rhode Island requires for your role with the Rhode Island licensing board and with your recruiter before you commit to a start date.

Rhode Island taxes wage income. Use your own rates in the take-home pay calculator.

Rhode Island state guide

Other healthcare roles in Cranston

Cranston city guide: hospitals, employers and licensing

Common questions

How much do dental assistants make in Cranston, RI?

Dental Assistants in the Providence-Warwick metro area have a median pay of $23.26 per hour, about $48,370 a year. The middle half earn between $22.70 and $27.73 per hour (BLS, May 2024).

Is Cranston a good place for dental assistants once cost of living is counted?

Providence-Warwick ranks 191st of 339 metro areas for dental assistant pay after adjusting for local prices, and 80th of 383 before adjusting. Overall prices run 2% above the U.S. average.

Who is hiring dental assistants in Cranston?

We list 1 open role with published pay from 1 employer in Cranston. Your free report adds named employers and pay near Cranston.

Do I need a Rhode Island license to work in Cranston as a dental assistant?

State registration, license or certificate where required, often including radiography. Credentials are issued state by state, so confirm what Rhode Island requires for your role with the Rhode Island licensing board and with your recruiter before you commit to a start date. Confirm with the board before you accept a role.

Is Cranston in a shortage area?

HRSA lists 8 active dental health shortage designations that include Providence County. Shortage areas often have more openings, and some loan repayment programs cover clinicians who work at eligible sites.

Does Valorem Health place dental assistants in Cranston?

Yes. We place healthcare staff in Cranston and across Rhode Island. Tell us your profession and we email the roles open near Cranston.

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Pay report · Dental Assistant near Cranston, RI
Valorem Health Shift ReportFrom your recruiting team · [email protected]

Your Dental Assistant pay reportTop-paying employers shown · your Rhode Island list by name comes with the full report

1Pay for your role at other employers

  • ClearChoice Dental Implant CentersCranston, RI · 2 postings$24.25/ hr$23–$26
  • Aspen DentalNorth Kingstown, RI · 2 postings$24.25/ hr$23–$26
  • Aspen DentalSt. Louis Park, MN · 5 postings$37.50/ hr$22–$42
  • Smile BrandsFaribault, MN · 3 postings$28.50/ hr$25–$35

Median posted pay per hour, with the range each employer published. Request your Rhode Island list

2What they are offering now

Low$20Median$24.50High$29

5 Dental Assistant postings with published pay in Rhode Island, 3 of them posted in the last 30 days. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.

3Open now: 5 Dental Assistant roles

  1. Dental AssistantPermanent
    $37k–$67k/ year
    Veterans Health Administration · Providence, RI · posted today
  2. Dental AssistantPermanent
    $23.00–$25.00/ hour
    ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers · Cranston, RI · posted yesterday

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