Dental Assistant Salary in Washington
Based on 13K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$58,090
$27.93/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
+18.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $68K
13K employed in Washington
The median Dental Assistant salary in Washington is $58,090 per year, which is equivalent to $28 per hour. This figure is 18.3% higher than the national average, indicating a strong earning potential for dental assistants in the state. Approximately 13,050 individuals are employed in this role across Washington.
Several factors influence the Dental Assistant salary in Washington, including years of experience, geographic location within the state, and the specific type of dental practice. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the $46,280 to $68,230 range, while experienced assistants in high-demand areas can earn at the higher end.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,280 |
| 25th percentile | $48,780 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,090 |
| 75th percentile | $62,340 |
| 90th percentile | $68,230 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Assistants in Washington tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $71,800 | 50 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $55,270 | 6K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $54,260 | — |
| Manufacturing | $52,290 | 130 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,020 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Assistant in Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,090 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,833 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,090 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,833 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,780 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,090 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $62,340 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $68,230 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Dental Assistant ($58,090 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WA | $656,330 | +1029.9% | $315.54/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WA | $499,990 | +760.7% | $240.38/hr |
| Surgeon in WA | $479,460 | +725.4% | $230.51/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WA | $380,870 | +555.7% | $183.11/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WA | $343,140 | +490.7% | $164.97/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WA | $340,010 | +485.3% | $163.47/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WA | $304,920 | +424.9% | $146.60/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WA | $292,900 | +404.2% | $140.82/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +372.4% | $131.92/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +301.1% | $112.00/hr |
| Dentist in WA | $169,730 | +192.2% | $81.60/hr |
| Pediatrician in WA | $169,540 | +191.9% | $81.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in Washington?
- The median salary for a Dental Assistant in Washington is $58,090 annually. This breaks down to an hourly rate of $28. This median is significantly above the national average.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Washington?
- Dental Assistants in Washington can expect to earn between $46,280 and $68,230 per year. The lower end represents entry-level positions, while the higher end is for experienced professionals.
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Washington compare to the national average?
- The Dental Assistant salary in Washington is 18.3% higher than the national average. This suggests better earning opportunities for dental assistants in Washington compared to many other states.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 13,050 Dental Assistants employed in Washington. This indicates a healthy job market for this profession within the state.