Dental Assistant Salary in Lacey, WA: $50,012 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Lacey, WA earns a median $50,012/year (≈ $24.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Lacey's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $46,566 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lacey, Washington, dental assistants can expect a median annual salary of $50,012 as of 2026, which is slightly above the national average of $49,579. The full salary range for dental assistants in this area varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $40,105 and some experienced professionals earning as much as $66,977. These figures come from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. Additionally, the demand for dental assistants with specialized training, particularly in oral surgery or orthodontics, contributes to the higher earnings potential in Lacey, making it a market ripe for both growth and opportunity within the dental care industry.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,105 | $19.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,902 | $22.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,012 | $24.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,099 | $28.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,977 | $32.20 |
Median Salary Position
0.87% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lacey
In Lacey, WA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,872 (2026 est.). At $50,012, the local median is 0.87% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lacey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lacey Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Lacey median: $50,012/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lacey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $51,084 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +0.87% more |
Dental Assistants in Lacey, WA earn a median of $50,012 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.87% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.10% below the Washington state average of $51,084.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lacey has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lacey, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,012 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,566 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,429
2025 BLS Actual
$48,489
2026 Current Est.
$50,012
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,429 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,539 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,997 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,211 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,946 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,945 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,489 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,012 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,582 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lacey metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $40,429 (2019) to $48,489 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,582 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,153 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lacey 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) | $40,105 – $46,902 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,902 – $50,012 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,012 – $59,099 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,099 – $66,977 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Lacey
The job market for dental assistants in Lacey is relatively small, with only 12 professionals currently employed in the area. However, this can create a competitive environment where specialized skills are highly valued. The cost of living index in Lacey is at 107.4, indicating that residents face slightly higher living expenses compared to national averages, which can impact overall purchasing power for take-home salaries. Among local employers, orthodontic practices and oral surgeries may offer the highest compensation due to the advanced skills required in those settings. Factors driving salary variations include specialty expertise, such as an EFDA credential allowing expanded functions, and roles that blend responsibilities like treatment coordinators. For those looking to maximize their dental assistant pay in Lacey, pursuing certifications such as DANB and gaining experience in specialty practices can be effective strategies in an evolving job market.
More salary data for Lacey, 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
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 $48,489 for dental assistantsin the Lacey 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 Lacey 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