Dental Assistant Pay

Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Kenmore, WA: $23.06 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Kenmore, WA runs $23.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,970 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Kenmore's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,782 per year.

$47,970
Median Annual Salary
$23.06/hr
Hourly Rate
$40,055
Entry Level (P10)
$59,487
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Assistant Hourly Rate in Kenmore, WA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Kenmore, WA dental assistant hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, dental assistants in Kenmore, Washington, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $23.06, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly figure offers a solid foundation for those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, which would equate to a stable income of around $1,184 per week based on a typical schedule. The profession allows for a versatile work environment, with dental assistants operating in various settings like general dentistry practices, pediatric clinics, or orthodontic offices, catering to a diverse clientele. Hourly rates for dental assistants in Kenmore demonstrate a range from $19.26 for entry-level positions to $28.60 for top earners, indicating a robust potential for salary growth driven by experience and specialization.

About the Kenmore Market

Salary estimated from Washington average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$19.26$154.05
Lower Range (P25)$21.99$175.92
Median (P50)$23.06$184.50
Upper Range (P75)$27.45$219.56
Top Earners (P90)$28.60$228.81

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kenmore

Based on $23.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental assistant in Kenmore earning $23.06/hr would make approximately $27,675 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $47,969 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$27,675Reduced (32 hr/wk)$36,899Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$47,969

At $23.06/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kenmore, WA can expect to earn approximately $47,969 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,675. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kenmore.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$184.50
per 8hr shift
$922.48
per week
$3,997
per month
$47,969
per year

Schedule Comparison in Kenmore

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$922.48$3,997$47,969
Part-Time (24 hrs)$553.49$2,398$28,782
Per Diem (16 hrs)$368.99$1,599$19,188

Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Assistant (Kenmore)$23.06
Dental Hygienist (National Avg)$42.45
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Pharmacy Technician (National Avg)$19.27
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental assistant median salary in Kenmore ($47,970) with Washington average ($51,087) and the US national median ($49,579).Kenmore$47,970Washington Avg$51,087-6.10%US National$49,579-3.25%

Dental Assistants in Kenmore, WA earn a median of $47,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.25% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.10% below the Washington state average of $51,087.

Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $23.06/hr = $28,782/year (purchasing power: $26,798).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,969/year (purchasing power: $44,664).

CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$18.64/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$22.36/hr

2026 Current Est.

$23.06/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+27.6%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Kenmore (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental assistants in Kenmore. Baseline $18.64/hr in 2025, projected to $23.79/hr by 2027.$16$19$22$25$282019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$18.64$19.16$17.98$20.85$21.65$26.18$22.36$23.06$23.79
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$18.64/hrActual
2020$19.16/hrActual
2021$17.98/hrActual
2022$20.85/hrActual
2023$21.65/hrActual
2024$26.18/hrActual
2025$22.36/hrActual
2026(current)$23.06/hrEstimated
2027$23.79/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Kenmore grew 19.9% from $18.64/hr (2019) to $22.36/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.79/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenmore metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Kenmore

Analyzing the potential earnings, a dental assistant working part-time for 24 hours a week could realistically expect to take home around $61,568 annually, compared to the figures for full-time colleagues. On the per diem front, rates can vary widely, with typical pay ranging from $22 to $35 per hour for general assignments, and specialty roles such as oral surgery or orthodontics may even yield between $28 and $45 per hour. Employment types in Kenmore influence pay rates, as larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen often impose standardized pay scales, whereas independent practices may offer more flexible but potentially less lucrative arrangements. Furthermore, dental assistants might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, emphasizing the need for individuals to weigh their options carefully. For those negotiating hourly rates, being aware of the local job market and employer expectations can provide leverage when discussing compensation to align with their professional qualifications and the current demand within Kenmore’s dental industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Kenmore in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental assistants in Kenmore is $23.06/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.14% annual growth). Rates range from $19.26 at entry level (10th percentile) to $28.60 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 3.2% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental assistants make in Kenmore?

A part-time dental assistant working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Kenmore earns approximately $2,398/month, or $28,782/year at the median hourly rate of $23.06. Many dental assistants prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental assistants in Kenmore paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental assistants in Kenmore are paid hourly at a median rate of $23.06/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $47,969/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Kenmore?

A full-time dental assistant working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Kenmore earns approximately $47,969/year at the median hourly rate of $23.06. This is 3.2% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $59,490/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kenmore?

Part-time and per diem dental assistants in Kenmore sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $28.60/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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 Kenmore. 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 Kenmore is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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