Dental Assistant Salary in Kennewick, WA: $51,096 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Kennewick, WA earns a median $51,096/year (≈ $24.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Kennewick's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 100.1), that paycheck buys what $51,056 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kennewick, Washington, the 2026 median annual salary for dental assistants is projected to be $51,096, which reflects the state's EFDA expanded function rules that often drive local pay above general dental assistant rates. The salary range for dental assistants in the area spans from $47,362 at the 10th percentile to $63,297 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant potential for advancement based on skill set and credentials. These figures, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, place Kennewick slightly above the national median of $49,579, suggesting a competitive job market for those entering the field. With a steady demand for dental services within the community, the opportunity for dental assistants in Kennewick is strong, thanks in part to the local focus on expanded functions and specialty practices.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,362 | $22.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,260 | $23.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,096 | $24.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,749 | $29.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,297 | $30.44 |
Median Salary Position
3.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kennewick
In Kennewick, WA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,935 (2026 est.). At $51,096, the local median is 3.06% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kennewick: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Kennewick Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Kennewick median: $51,096/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kennewick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $49,579 | +3.06% more |
Dental Assistants in Kennewick, WA earn a median of $51,096 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.06% higher than the national median of $49,579.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kennewick has a cost of living 0.08% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kennewick, WA has a cost-of-living index of 100.079 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,096 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,056 — a 0.08% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,530
2025 BLS Actual
$49,540
2026 Current Est.
$51,096
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Kennewick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,540 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,096 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,700 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kennewick metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 28.6% from $38,530 (2019) to $49,540 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,700 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,170 (36.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennewick 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) | $47,362 – $49,260 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,260 – $51,096 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,096 – $60,749 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,749 – $63,297 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Kennewick
The job market for dental assistants in Kennewick is robust, with approximately 520 individuals employed in this capacity across various settings. The cost of living index in the area sits at 100.079, suggesting housing and everyday expenses are in line with national averages, which supports the purchasing power of local dental assistant salaries. Among the types of employers, dental chains such as Heartland and Aspen generally offer the highest pay scales, primarily due to their standardized training and tiered compensation models. The variation in salaries can also be attributed to respective specialties, with greater earnings found in oral surgery or orthodontic practices compared to general dental offices. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing an EFDA credential, seeking opportunities in specialty practices, and considering roles that combine dental assisting with treatment coordination can significantly influence overall compensation in Kennewick.
More salary data for Kennewick, 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 $49,540 for dental assistantsin the Kennewick 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
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