Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Federal Way, WA: $24.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Federal Way, WA runs $24.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,635 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Federal Way's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,378 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Federal Way, Washington, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $24.34, which positions them slightly above the national median of $23.84. This competitive hourly rate allows for various employment scenarios, making it attractive for part-time professionals and per-diem workers. Such flexibility can be beneficial for those who prefer to work three days a week, allowing for a comfortable income while maintaining a work-life balance. The hourly pay range for dental assistants in Federal Way varies significantly, spanning from $18.76 for entry-level positions to $31.88 for experienced or specialized roles. Staff may find opportunities in diverse settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery suites, which can further influence their earning potential.
About the Federal Way 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) | $18.76 | $150.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.30 | $178.39 |
| Median (P50) | $24.34 | $194.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.65 | $237.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.88 | $255.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Federal Way
Based on $24.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.34/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Federal Way, WA can expect to earn approximately $50,629 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,209. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Federal Way.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Federal Way
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $973.64 | $4,219 | $50,629 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $584.18 | $2,531 | $30,378 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $389.46 | $1,688 | $20,252 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Federal Way) | $24.34 |
| 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 Federal Way, WA earn a median of $50,635 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.13% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $51,094.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.34/hr = $30,378/year (purchasing power: $28,285).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,629/year (purchasing power: $47,141).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Federal Way grew 19.9% from $19.68/hr (2019) to $23.60/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.11/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 Federal Way 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 Federal Way
Examining the financial aspect of part-time work in this field reveals that a dental assistant working three days a week, or 24 hours total, would see notable annual earnings compared to full-time staff. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Federal Way typically ranges from $22 to $35 an hour; however, those with specialized skills in orthodontics or oral surgery can command rates from $28 to $45 per hour. Employers in the area include general dental practices, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics, each offering different pay scales. While some dental assistants might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, others may prefer higher wages without benefits. For those looking to negotiate their hourly pay, highlighting relevant certifications like DANB credentialing or expanded function training can be an effective strategy. Overall, understanding these dynamics allows dental assistants in Federal Way to make informed decisions about their career and compensation.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Federal Way in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Federal Way?
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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 Federal Way. 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 Federal Way 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