Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Kent, WA: $24.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Kent, WA runs $24.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,006 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Kent's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,609 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Kent, Washington, earn a median hourly rate of $24.53, which is slightly higher than the national median of $23.84. This competitive hourly pay reflects the demand for skilled dental assistants across various settings, including general operatory environments, pediatric exam rooms, orthodontic chair rows, and specialized surgical suites. For part-time workers averaging three days a week, this translates to a robust hourly compensation, allowing for flexibility while still earning an impressive wage. The hourly range for dental assistants in Kent varies significantly, starting at about $19.17 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $33.39 for the highest earners. Such figures highlight opportunities for both newcomers eager to enter the field and experienced professionals seeking advancement.
About the Kent 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) | $19.17 | $153.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.67 | $181.36 |
| Median (P50) | $24.53 | $196.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.63 | $245.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.39 | $267.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kent
Based on $24.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.53/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kent, WA can expect to earn approximately $51,016 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,432. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kent.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kent
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $981.07 | $4,251 | $51,016 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $588.64 | $2,551 | $30,609 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $392.43 | $1,701 | $20,406 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Kent) | $24.53 |
| 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 Kent, WA earn a median of $51,006 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.88% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $51,108.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.53/hr = $30,609/year (purchasing power: $28,500).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,016/year (purchasing power: $47,500).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Kent grew 19.9% from $19.83/hr (2019) to $23.78/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.30/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 Kent 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 Kent
When considering a part-time role at 24 hours a week, dental assistants can expect to earn around $26,661 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart, who could earn upwards of $51,006 per year. For those interested in per diem work, this profession offers varying rates, typically ranging from $22 to $35 per hour for general dental practice work, with specialized roles, especially in oral surgery and orthodontics, climbing up to $28-$45 per hour. In Kent, hourly rates differ across employer types, with general practices and dental support organizations, such as Heartland and Pacific Dental, potentially offering alternative pay scales. While some dental assistants might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer higher hourly wages without those benefits. Negotiating pay can be strategic; understanding local trends and communicating about the value of certifications like DANB or expanded function credentials can enhance earning potential in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Kent in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Kent?
Are dental assistants in Kent paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Kent?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kent?
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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 Kent. 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 Kent 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