Des Moines vs Seattle: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Des Moines, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,623 | $63,988▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.34 | $30.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,987 | $50,435▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,945 | $50,920▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,650 | $65,050▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,884 | $74,323▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 7,100▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Seattle is $13,365 (26.40%). Seattle's median is +29.06% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $23,897,Seattle spans $23,888. Des Moines has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($57,578 effective) pays 22.16% more than Des Moines ($47,135 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,988/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,323)
- ✓Larger job market (7,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,578)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Des Moines grew -14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.6% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Des Moines, WA
$57,460 (2024) → $49,082 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$47,500 (2019) → $62,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Des Moines or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Seattle as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Des Moines vs Seattle?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov