Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Olympia, WA: $24.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Olympia, WA runs $24.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,425 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Olympia's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.7, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,262 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Olympia, Washington, dental assistants command a median hourly pay of $24.25, which places them slightly above the national median of $23.84. This competitive rate reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various clinical environments, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery suites. For part-time workers, such as those clocking in three days a week, this hourly wage translates to significant weekly earnings based on their schedules. Entry-level positions typically start at around $22.97 per hour, while experienced dental assistants can earn up to $32.59, highlighting the variations influenced by skill sets and practice settings. Such distinctions emphasize the role of continuing education and certifications, such as those offered by DANB, which can enhance a dental assistant's qualifications and earning potential.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.97 | $183.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.57 | $188.54 |
| Median (P50) | $24.25 | $193.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.36 | $234.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.59 | $260.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olympia
Based on $24.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.25/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olympia, WA can expect to earn approximately $50,436 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,098. With a cost-of-living index of 103.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Olympia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olympia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $969.93 | $4,203 | $50,436 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $581.96 | $2,522 | $30,262 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.97 | $1,681 | $20,175 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Olympia) | $24.25 |
| 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 Olympia, WA earn a median of $50,425 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.71% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.30% below the Washington state average of $51,089.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.25/hr = $30,262/year (purchasing power: $29,190).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,436/year (purchasing power: $48,651).
CoL index: 103.67 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Olympia grew 6.1% from $22.16/hr (2019) to $23.51/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.01/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 Olympia 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 Olympia
Shifts in the employment landscape, driven in part by the expansion of dental service organizations (DSOs) in Olympia, impact how dental assistants navigate their pay. A part-time dental assistant working 24 hours a week might take home around $30,360 annually, significantly lower than full-time counterparts, but still viable for those seeking flexibility. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Olympia tends to range from $22 to $35 per hour, peaking at $28 to $45 in specialized fields like oral surgery or orthodontics. Agencies such as Cloud Dentistry and GoTu facilitate connections for temp positions, opening additional earning potential for those willing to fill in on short notice. Work at different types of employers, from solo practices to larger DSOs, influences pay rates, with some offices offering lower hourly pays in exchange for robust benefits packages. For those negotiating their hourly wages, it’s critical to be clear about desired benefits versus monetary compensation, ensuring alignment with long-term career goals and lifestyle needs.
More salary data for Olympia, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Olympia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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