Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Puyallup, WA: $23.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Puyallup, WA runs $23.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,927 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Puyallup's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,361 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected dental assistant hourly pay in Puyallup, WA, is set at $23.53, which places it slightly below the national median of $23.84. This figure provides a clear financial framework for dental assistants working in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. A part-time dental assistant working three days a week could expect to earn around $1,128 weekly, while those in per-diem roles could earn between $19.29 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience and specific job requirements. The hourly wage for dental assistants in Puyallup ranges from $19.29 at the entry-level to $29.57 for the top earners, showcasing opportunities for both new and experienced professionals in this field.
About the Puyallup 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) | $19.29 | $154.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.27 | $178.14 |
| Median (P50) | $23.53 | $188.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.62 | $228.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.57 | $236.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Puyallup
Based on $23.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.53/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Puyallup, WA can expect to earn approximately $48,935 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,231. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Puyallup.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Puyallup
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $941.05 | $4,078 | $48,935 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $564.63 | $2,447 | $29,361 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.42 | $1,631 | $19,574 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Puyallup) | $23.53 |
| 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 Puyallup, WA earn a median of $48,927 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.32% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.20% below the Washington state average of $51,072.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.53/hr = $29,361/year (purchasing power: $27,338).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,935/year (purchasing power: $45,563).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Puyallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Puyallup grew 19.9% from $19.02/hr (2019) to $22.81/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.26/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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup
When considering the earning potential for part-time dental assistants in Puyallup, a professional working 24 hours per week could net around $36,000 annually, compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem dental assistants generally command pay rates between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially yielding between $28 and $45 per hour. The variance in hourly rates across different types of employers, such as solo practices, larger dental service organizations, and specialty offices, highlights the shifting dynamics of the dental industry. Many dental assistants may opt for slightly lower hourly wages if these positions include health benefits, as opposed to higher pay but no insurance coverage. For those negotiating their compensation, understanding local market trends and the potential for expanded role responsibilities—especially in a growing DSO landscape—can significantly influence their hourly rate in Puyallup.
More salary data for Puyallup, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Puyallup 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 Puyallup. 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 Puyallup 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