Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Pasco, WA: $23.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Pasco, WA runs $23.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,854 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Pasco's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,914 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental assistant hourly pay in Pasco, Washington, is projected to reach $23.97, slightly above the national median of $23.84. This competitive hourly rate offers opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers. A dental assistant working three days a week, for instance, can expect to bring home a stable income while achieving a better work-life balance. Per-diem roles in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery suites, typically fall within an hourly pay range of $19.01 at entry-level to about $30.92 for more experienced staff, indicating a promising career trajectory in this profession. Such wage estimates are derived from annual salary projections and reflect the growing demand for dental assistants in the Pasco area.
About the Pasco 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) | $19.01 | $152.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.30 | $178.39 |
| Median (P50) | $23.97 | $191.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.08 | $232.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.92 | $247.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasco
Based on $23.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.97/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasco, WA can expect to earn approximately $49,857 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,764. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $958.79 | $4,155 | $49,857 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $575.27 | $2,493 | $29,914 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.52 | $1,662 | $19,943 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Pasco) | $23.97 |
| 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 Pasco, WA earn a median of $49,854 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.55% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.40% below the Washington state average of $51,080.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.97/hr = $29,914/year (purchasing power: $27,853).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,857/year (purchasing power: $46,422).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Pasco grew 19.9% from $19.38/hr (2019) to $23.24/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.72/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 Pasco 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 Pasco
Beyond the standard hourly pay, the earning potential for part-time dental assistants varies significantly based on their work situation. A dental assistant on a 24-hour work week can realistically expect a different financial picture compared to their full-time counterparts, leading to unique budgeting needs. Per-diem dental assistants often charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialty practices in oral surgery or orthodontics offering rates that can climb to $28-45 per hour. Employment within different types of dental practices also influences hourly pay, as general dental offices often pay less than pediatric or specialty practices. While some dental assistants might opt for lower pay in exchange for health benefits, those working in transient roles can negotiate hourly rates but may sacrifice job security. Understanding local market dynamics and being prepared to discuss salary expectations with prospective employers, particularly amidst the backdrop of DSO expansion with large chains like Heartland and Aspen, can greatly enhance a dental assistant's job prospects in Pasco, WA.
More salary data for Pasco, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Pasco 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 Pasco. 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 Pasco 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