Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Renton, WA: $25.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Renton, WA runs $25.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,430 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Renton's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,459 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Renton, Washington, earn a median hourly pay of $25.21, significantly higher than the national median of $23.84. This competitive rate positions Renton as an attractive location for individuals entering the dental assistant profession, particularly those interested in part-time or per-diem roles. For those working 24 hours a week, which is common for part-time positions, the hourly pay can make a considerable difference in annual earnings. The hourly rate for dental assistants ranges from $18.82 for entry-level positions to $32.17 for seasoned professionals, with numerous settings such as general dentistry practices, orthodontic offices, pediatric exam rooms, and periodontal surgical suites available for employment. This flexibility allows for a wide variety of work environments, aligning with the diverse responsibilities taken on by dental assistants.
About the Renton 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) | $18.82 | $150.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.63 | $181.03 |
| Median (P50) | $25.21 | $201.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.28 | $242.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.17 | $257.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Renton
Based on $25.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.21/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Renton, WA can expect to earn approximately $52,431 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,249. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Renton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Renton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,008.30 | $4,369 | $52,431 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $604.98 | $2,622 | $31,459 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $403.32 | $1,748 | $20,973 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Renton) | $25.21 |
| 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 Renton, WA earn a median of $52,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.75% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.60% above the Washington state average of $51,102.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.21/hr = $31,459/year (purchasing power: $29,291).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,431/year (purchasing power: $48,819).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Renton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Renton grew 19.9% from $20.38/hr (2019) to $24.44/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.00/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 Renton 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 Renton
Expanding on the financial aspects, a dental assistant working part-time in Renton can take home an approximate amount significantly lower than full-time colleagues, but still competitive given the local cost of living indexed at 107.4. Per-diem dental assistants, who typically earn between $22 and $35 per hour, can see their pay rise even higher in specialized roles such as oral surgery or orthodontics, with rates that can peak at $28 to $45 per hour. Various employer types in Renton offer different pay structures; for instance, dental assistants in group practices or large DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen Dentistry often have standardized pay rates that may differ dramatically from those in pediatric or specialty practices. Those chasing the higher hourly rates might have to forgo benefits typically offered by employers, a trade-off some are willing to make. Negotiating pay in this competitive market often involves understanding one’s qualifications and certifications, especially when considering certifications from DANB or EFDA expanded functions, which can lead to pay increases of 25% to 40%.
More salary data for Renton, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Renton. 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 Renton 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