Kennewick vs Puyallup: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Kennewick, WA and Puyallup, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Puyallup, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,096▲ | $48,927 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.57▲ | $23.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,362▲ | $40,126 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,260▲ | $46,312 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,749▲ | $59,529 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,297▲ | $61,508 |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Puyallup.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Puyallup is $2,169 (4.43%). 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,Puyallup spans $21,382. Puyallup 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 12.07% more than Puyallup ($45,556 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)
- ✓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
Choose Puyallup if…
- ✓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 Puyallup over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$38,530 (2019) → $49,540 (2025)
Puyallup, WA
$55,534 (2024) → $47,437 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Puyallup, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Kennewick or Puyallup?
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Related Comparisons
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