Issaquah vs Kennewick: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Issaquah, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Issaquah, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,457 | $51,096▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.26 | $24.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,737 | $47,362▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,585 | $49,260▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,183 | $60,749▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,403 | $63,297▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 520▲ |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Issaquah.
The salary gap between Issaquah and Kennewick is $639 (1.27%). Kennewick's median is +3.06% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Issaquah spans $21,666,Kennewick spans $15,935. Issaquah 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, Kennewick ($51,056 effective) pays 8.67% more than Issaquah ($46,980 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Issaquah if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,096/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,297)
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,056)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Issaquah grew -14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Issaquah, WA
$57,271 (2024) → $48,921 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$38,530 (2019) → $49,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Issaquah, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Issaquah or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Issaquah and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Issaquah to Kennewick as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Issaquah vs Kennewick?
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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