Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Washington, UT: $17.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Washington, UT runs $17.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,651 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $17.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,985 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Washington, UT, dental assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $17.62, significantly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This lower wage impacts part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week in various settings including general dentistry, pediatric offices, and oral surgery. With entry-level dental assistants earning about $13.42 per hour and those at the top of the scale reaching up to $22.64, the pay structure reflects the broader dynamics of the dental market in this region. The estimated hourly rates draw from the annual salary projections, which influence wages in both traditional practices and modern dental service organizations.
About the Washington Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.42 | $107.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.99 | $135.90 |
| Median (P50) | $17.62 | $140.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.36 | $170.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.64 | $181.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $17.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.62/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, UT can expect to earn approximately $36,642 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,140. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $704.65 | $3,053 | $36,642 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $422.79 | $1,832 | $21,985 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $281.86 | $1,221 | $14,657 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Washington) | $17.62 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Washington, UT earn a median of $36,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.08% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.90% below the Utah state average of $37,745.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.62/hr = $21,985/year (purchasing power: $22,411).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,642/year (purchasing power: $37,352).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Washington grew 19.9% from $14.24/hr (2019) to $17.08/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.17/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Washington
Considering the financial implications of working part-time, a dental assistant in Washington who works 24 hours per week may take home significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Many per-diem dental assistants frequently earn between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding even higher rates, often between $28 and $45. The types of employers also play a critical role in pay variation; general dental practices may offer lower pay compared to pediatric or specialty offices. For those negotiating hourly pay, the choice between lower hourly rates with benefits versus higher pay without can be challenging. Agencies that connect temporary dental assistants with short-term positions can provide flexibility, but it’s essential to weigh pay against the security found in regular employment. Understanding these factors can inform decision-making for aspiring dental assistants navigating their careers in Washington, UT.
More salary data for Washington, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Washington in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Washington?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Washington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Washington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov