Dental Assistant Salary in Bothell, WA: $49,256 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Bothell, WA earns a median $49,256/year (≈ $23.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Bothell's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $45,862 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, dental assistants in Bothell, Washington, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $49,256, which reflects a competitive pay scale compared to national figures. The salary range for this occupation in the area spans from $40,935 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $62,434 at the higher end (90th percentile). This local salary estimate, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, incorporates regional price parities and suggests a growing demand for dental professionals in Bothell, especially in light of the state's EFDA expanded function regulations. These regulations often lead to higher compensation, empowering dental assistants to take on additional responsibilities and thus enhancing their earning potential in a thriving job market.
About the Bothell Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,935 | $19.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,022 | $22.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,256 | $23.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,480 | $27.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,434 | $30.01 |
Median Salary Position
0.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bothell
In Bothell, WA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,499 (2026 est.). At $49,256, the local median is 0.65% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bothell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bothell Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Bothell median: $49,256/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bothell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $51,095 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -0.65% less |
Dental Assistants in Bothell, WA earn a median of $49,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.65% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.60% below the Washington state average of $51,095.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bothell has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bothell, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,256 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,862 — a 6.89% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$39,818
2025 BLS Actual
$47,756
2026 Current Est.
$49,256
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Bothell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,818 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,911 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,407 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,527 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,236 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,907 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,756 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,256 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,802 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bothell metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $39,818 (2019) to $47,756 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,802 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,984 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bothell 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $40,935 – $47,022 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,022 – $49,256 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,256 – $57,480 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,480 – $62,434 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Bothell
With 13 dental assistants currently employed in Bothell, the job market exhibits a modest but stable demand for dental support roles. The cost of living in the region, marked by a CoL index of 107.4, indicates expenses slightly above the national average, impacting purchasing power. Among the notable employers, general dental practices and DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen tend to provide the highest salaries, particularly for roles involving specialty services such as oral surgery and orthodontics. The pay disparity within this market can be attributed to factors such as specialization, the presence of EFDA credentials, and hybrid roles combining treatment coordination duties. For dental assistants looking to maximize their pay in Bothell, pursuing additional certifications, engaging in continued education, and seeking opportunities within higher-paying specialties can lead to substantial advancements in their careers.
More salary data for Bothell, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Bothell, WA in 2026?
Is Bothell, WA a good place to work as a dental assistant?
Can dental assistants make $100K in Bothell?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental assistant salary in Bothell?
How much does a dental assistant make per hour in Bothell?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,756 for dental assistantsin the Bothell metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bothell 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