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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kenmore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.79/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenmore 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 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.
More salary data for Kenmore, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Kenmore in 2026?
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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 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).
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