Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Lacey, WA: $24.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Lacey, WA runs $24.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,012 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Lacey's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,004 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lacey, WA, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $24.04, slightly surpassing the national hourly median of $23.84. This competitive pay level can be quite favorable for part-time workers and per-diem professionals within the various clinical settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery suites. The hourly compensation ranges from $19.28 for entry-level positions at the 10th percentile to $32.20 for top earners. These figures are based on annual salary data projections for 2026 and can provide a foundation for a rewarding career whether someone is looking to work three days a week or seeking opportunities for temporary, per-diem roles.
About the Lacey 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) | $19.28 | $154.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.55 | $180.37 |
| Median (P50) | $24.04 | $192.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.42 | $227.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.20 | $257.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lacey
Based on $24.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.04/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lacey, WA can expect to earn approximately $50,007 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,850. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lacey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lacey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $961.68 | $4,167 | $50,007 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.01 | $2,500 | $30,004 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.67 | $1,667 | $20,003 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Lacey) | $24.04 |
| 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 Lacey, WA earn a median of $50,012 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.87% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.10% below the Washington state average of $51,084.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.04/hr = $30,004/year (purchasing power: $27,937).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,007/year (purchasing power: $46,562).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Lacey grew 19.9% from $19.44/hr (2019) to $23.31/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.80/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 Lacey 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 Lacey
Evaluating the financial potential for part-time dental assistants, someone working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can expect to earn around $27,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time colleagues. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Lacey varies based on specialty and agency; while general per-diem rates range between $22 and $35 per hour, those working in oral surgery and orthodontics might see rates between $28 and $45 per hour. The differences in hourly rates often reflect the work environment, with general practices, specialty offices, and dental schools offering varied compensation packages. Some assistants might choose lower hourly rates for positions that offer additional benefits like health insurance, while others may prefer higher pay without benefits. Negotiating hourly wages effectively can hinge on understanding market rates and demonstrating one's skills, especially in a city experiencing DSO chain growth and a demand for qualified dental staff.
More salary data for Lacey, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Lacey 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 Lacey. 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 Lacey 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