Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Wenatchee, WA: $23.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Wenatchee, WA runs $23.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,817 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Wenatchee's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.9, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,888 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wenatchee, Washington, dental assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $23.95, which is slightly above the national median of $23.84. This competitive hourly rate makes the profession appealing for part-time work, especially for those seeking flexible schedules in settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. Part-time dental assistants working three days a week may easily manage their roles across various specialty suites without the commitment of full-time hours. The hourly range in Wenatchee extends notably, from a base rate of $22.07 for entry-level positions to $29.48 for highly qualified professionals, demonstrating significant earning potential as assistants gain experience and credentials. This data comes from the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected for 2026.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.07 | $176.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.57 | $180.54 |
| Median (P50) | $23.95 | $191.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.32 | $226.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.48 | $235.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wenatchee
Based on $23.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.95/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wenatchee, WA can expect to earn approximately $49,814 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,739. With a cost-of-living index of 103.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wenatchee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wenatchee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $957.96 | $4,151 | $49,814 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $574.78 | $2,491 | $29,888 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.19 | $1,660 | $19,926 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Wenatchee) | $23.95 |
| 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 Wenatchee, WA earn a median of $49,817 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.48% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.50% below the Washington state average of $51,094.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.95/hr = $29,888/year (purchasing power: $28,779).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,814/year (purchasing power: $47,965).
CoL index: 103.855 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Wenatchee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Wenatchee grew 20.2% from $19.31/hr (2019) to $23.22/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.70/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 Wenatchee 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 Wenatchee
The earning potential for part-time dental assistants in Wenatchee varies significantly, particularly when comparing a three-day workweek to full-time employment. For instance, a part-time dental assistant working 24 hours per week might earn approximately $29,958 annually, whereas a full-time assistant could potentially make around $49,817. Per diem and agency dental assistants can experience even more variability in their earnings, often billing between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery and orthodontics commanding hourly rates between $28 and $45. Dentists’ practices, including both solo and larger groups like Heartland and Pacific Dental, may offer differing pay structures, where some assistants might opt for lower hourly wages to access benefits like health insurance. For those looking to negotiate their pay, emphasizing experience and exploring options with agencies that provide temporary positions can yield favorable outcomes in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Wenatchee, 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 Wenatchee. 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