Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Bothell, WA: $23.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Bothell, WA runs $23.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,256 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Bothell's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,554 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bothell, Washington, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $23.68, slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate reflects the profession's entry-level positions as well as seasoned dental assistants' earnings, with hourly wages ranging from $19.68 in the 10th percentile to $30.01 for the top 90th percentile earners. For those working part-time, such as in general dentistry operatories or specialty areas, this hourly rate can significantly influence how much they earn over a condensed schedule, typical of three-day workweeks. Moreover, per-diem workers—who might transition between various settings like pediatric exam rooms or oral surgery procedure rooms—can capitalize on flexible arrangements while earning competitive hourly wages in Bothell.
About the Bothell Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.68 | $157.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.61 | $180.87 |
| Median (P50) | $23.68 | $189.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.63 | $221.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.01 | $240.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bothell
Based on $23.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.68/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bothell, WA can expect to earn approximately $49,256 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,417. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bothell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bothell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $947.24 | $4,105 | $49,256 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $568.34 | $2,463 | $29,554 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.90 | $1,642 | $19,703 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Bothell) | $23.68 |
| 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 Bothell, WA earn a median of $49,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.65% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.60% below the Washington state average of $51,095.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.68/hr = $29,554/year (purchasing power: $27,518).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,256/year (purchasing power: $45,863).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Bothell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Bothell grew 19.9% from $19.14/hr (2019) to $22.96/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.42/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 Bothell 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 Bothell
For dental assistants considering part-time positions, working three days a week equates to approximately 24 hours, translating to earnings that are considerably less than what a full-time employee would take home annually. Per-diem dental assistants often find themselves billing $22 to $35 an hour, with specialties in oral surgery or orthodontics reaching $28 to $45. Importantly, dental practices in Bothell vary in their compensation structures; general dental offices, multi-practice groups, and affiliations with large chains like Heartland or Aspen may offer different hourly options. Although some dental assistants may accept lower pay for the security of health insurance, others might prefer higher wages with fewer benefits. For those negotiating their pay in Bothell, understanding the specific needs of each practice and the value of your qualifications, including any expansion of function authority, can strengthen your bargaining position.
More salary data for Bothell, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Bothell. 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 Bothell 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