Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Lake Stevens, WA: $23.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Lake Stevens, WA runs $23.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,417 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Lake Stevens's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,657 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As projected for 2026, dental assistants in Lake Stevens, WA, earn a median hourly rate of $23.76. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $23.84, indicating a competitive yet modest dental assistant hourly pay in the region. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this pay translates into a stable income while balancing work-life commitments. Per-diem dental assistants typically find hourly wages ranging from $19.77 to $28.86, reflecting the diversity in entry-level to experienced roles across various dental settings such as general dentistry, orthodontics, and specialty surgeries. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, providing a comprehensive view for those seeking flexibility in their work arrangements.
About the Lake Stevens 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) | $19.77 | $158.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.77 | $182.19 |
| Median (P50) | $23.76 | $190.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.79 | $222.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.86 | $230.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Stevens
Based on $23.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.76/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Stevens, WA can expect to earn approximately $49,428 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,516. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Stevens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Stevens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $950.54 | $4,119 | $49,428 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $570.32 | $2,471 | $29,657 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.22 | $1,648 | $19,771 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Lake Stevens) | $23.76 |
| 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 Lake Stevens, WA earn a median of $49,417 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.33% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.30% below the Washington state average of $51,104.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.76/hr = $29,657/year (purchasing power: $27,613).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,428/year (purchasing power: $46,022).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Lake Stevens grew 19.9% from $19.21/hr (2019) to $23.04/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.51/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 Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens
When looking at part-time positions, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week might take home about $29,535 annually, creating a viable option for individuals wishing to balance different responsibilities or pursue continuing education. In contrast, per-diem workers often earn between $22 and $35 an hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics reaching even higher, from $28 to $45 per hour. Hourly rates can fluctuate significantly based on the type of practice; for instance, general dental offices may offer different pay scales compared to larger DSO chains like Heartland or Pacific Dental. Some dental assistants may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, emphasizing the trade-off between stability and higher hourly rates without benefits. To optimize earning potential, DAs should express their expectations clearly during negotiation discussions, taking into account the local market realities in Lake Stevens and the impact of expanded function authority on compensation, as DAs with EFDA credentials in permissive states can command 25-40% more.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens. 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 Lake Stevens 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