Kennewick vs Pasco: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Kennewick, WA and Pasco, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Pasco, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,096▲ | $49,854 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.57▲ | $23.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,362▲ | $39,531 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,260▲ | $46,380 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,749▲ | $60,477 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,297 | $64,324▲ |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pasco.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Pasco is $1,242 (2.49%). 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 Kennewick spans $15,935,Pasco spans $24,793. Pasco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($51,056 effective) pays 9.99% more than Pasco ($46,419 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,096/year)
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,056)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Pasco if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,324)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Kennewick grew 28.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.6% growth in Pasco over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$38,530 (2019) → $49,540 (2025)
Pasco, WA
$56,587 (2024) → $48,336 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Kennewick or Pasco?
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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