Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Spokane, WA: $25.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Spokane, WA runs $25.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,581 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Spokane's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,549 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Spokane, the projected median hourly pay for dental assistants is estimated at $25.28, which is slightly above the national median of $23.84. This competitive rate is beneficial for those considering part-time or per-diem work in diverse settings, such as general dentistry operatories or pediatric exam rooms. For example, a dental assistant working three days a week can expect a steady income, with entry-level positions starting around $22.59 per hour and top earners reaching $30.74 per hour. These figures are drawn from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, highlighting the potential for financial sustainability in various dental practice environments throughout Spokane, WA.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.59 | $180.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.19 | $185.49 |
| Median (P50) | $25.28 | $202.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.43 | $227.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.74 | $245.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Spokane
Based on $25.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.28/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Spokane, WA can expect to earn approximately $52,582 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,336. With a cost-of-living index of 100.35 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Spokane.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Spokane
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,011.18 | $4,382 | $52,582 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.71 | $2,629 | $31,549 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.47 | $1,753 | $21,033 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Spokane) | $25.28 |
| 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 Spokane, WA earn a median of $52,581 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.05% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.90% above the Washington state average of $51,099.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.28/hr = $31,549/year (purchasing power: $31,440).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,582/year (purchasing power: $52,400).
CoL index: 100.346 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Spokane (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Spokane grew 23.2% from $19.89/hr (2019) to $24.51/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.07/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 Spokane 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 Spokane
Although working part-time as a dental assistant offers flexibility, one must consider annual earnings. A dental assistant completing a 24-hour workweek could take home roughly $31,513 annually versus a full-time assistant's potential higher earnings. Per diem dental assistant pay in Spokane typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized practices, such as orthodontics or oral surgery, often attracting rates of $28 to $45 per hour. This variability reflects the broad spectrum of employer types, including independent general practices and corporate dental chains like Heartland or Aspen, each providing unique compensation models. Some assistants might opt for lower hourly rates with benefits, such as health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits, illustrating the trade-offs professionals must navigate. As dental assistants sharpen their negotiation skills, they should account for local industry standards and be confident in leveraging their credentials for better hourly compensation.
More salary data for Spokane, 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 Spokane. 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