Kennewick vs University Place: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Kennewick, WA and University Place, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | University Place, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,096▲ | $50,107 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.57▲ | $24.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,362▲ | $38,932 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,260▲ | $45,832 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,749▲ | $58,412 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,297 | $65,186▲ |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to University Place.
The salary gap between Kennewick and University Place is $989 (1.97%). 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,University Place spans $26,254. University Place 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 9.43% more than University Place ($46,655 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 University Place if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,186)
- ✓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 University Place over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$38,530 (2019) → $49,540 (2025)
University Place, WA
$56,875 (2024) → $48,582 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
University Place, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Kennewick or University Place?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and University Place?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to University Place as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Kennewick vs University Place?
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