Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Maple Valley, WA: $23.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Maple Valley, WA runs $23.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,609 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Maple Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,168 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Maple Valley, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $23.37. This figure is slightly below the national median of $23.84, indicating a competitive yet slightly lower pay scale in this specific market. For part-time workers typically scheduled three days a week, this translates to a substantial income that is flexible enough to support various lifestyles or concurrent educational pursuits. Per-diem positions within a variety of settings, from pediatric exam rooms to oral surgery suites, provide professionals with hourly earnings ranging from $18.90 for entry-level positions to about $29.03 for those at the top of the pay scale. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the diverse work opportunities available across dental practices in Maple Valley, WA.
About the Maple Valley 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) | $18.90 | $151.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.42 | $171.38 |
| Median (P50) | $23.37 | $186.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.78 | $222.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.03 | $232.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maple Valley
Based on $23.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.37/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maple Valley, WA can expect to earn approximately $48,613 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,046. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Maple Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maple Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $934.86 | $4,051 | $48,613 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.92 | $2,431 | $29,168 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.94 | $1,620 | $19,445 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Maple Valley) | $23.37 |
| 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 Maple Valley, WA earn a median of $48,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.96% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.90% below the Washington state average of $51,113.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.37/hr = $29,168/year (purchasing power: $27,158).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,613/year (purchasing power: $45,263).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Maple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Maple Valley grew 19.9% from $18.89/hr (2019) to $22.66/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.11/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 Maple Valley 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 Maple Valley
Considering the financial implications of part-time work, a dental assistant in Maple Valley working 24 hours per week could expect to earn around $29,199 annually. This is a favorable option compared to full-time employment, especially for those balancing further education or family commitments. For per-diem or agency roles, pay scales can be more lucrative, with rates ranging from $22 to $45 depending on specialty and demand. In this market, general dental practices may offer slightly lower pay compared to specialized offices, such as orthodontic or oral surgery, which often command higher hourly rates. This reality leads some dental assistants to accept roles with fewer benefits in exchange for higher pay, making informed negotiations essential. When seeking employment, it's crucial to understand how the pay structure varies across different employer types, including the rise of DSOs like Heartland and Aspen, which standardize pay but may limit local flexibility in compensation agreements.
More salary data for Maple Valley, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Maple Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Maple Valley?
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Related Pages
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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 Maple Valley. 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 Maple Valley 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