Average Dental Assistants Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
Dental Assistants in Kennewick-Richland, WA, earn an average annual salary of $52,370, which is notably higher than the national average of $48,760. This elevated compensation is likely influenced by the specific demand dynamics and workforce concentration within the region, reflecting a localized premium for these essential healthcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,150.
- Outlook: The Kennewick-Richland, WA, area demonstrates a robust job market for Dental Assistants, evidenced by a total local workforce of 510 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.64, the concentration of Dental Assistants is significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for their services in this metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Kennewick-Richland, WA earns+7.4%above the national average.
$25.2
$1,007
$4,364
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Dental Assistants across the United States, including in markets like Kennewick-Richland, WA, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This upward trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for dental services, and the evolving scope of responsibilities for dental assistants.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Kennewick-Richland, WA
The career trajectory for Dental Assistants in Kennewick-Richland, WA, typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of practice can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear progression and reward for accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $44,110 | $21.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $39,278 | $18.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $48,190 | $23.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $65,463 | $31.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $60,150 | $28.9 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
For Dental Assistants considering a move to Kennewick-Richland, WA, the average annual salary of $52,370 aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of your earnings in this region is comparable to the national standard, making it a financially stable choice without significant cost-of-living adjustments needed.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
3.996
Per 1K Jobs
1.64
Location Quotient
Kennewick-Richland, WA has 1.6x the national concentration of Dental Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.64 for Dental Assistants in Kennewick-Richland, WA, signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Walla Walla, WA Dental Assistants Salary | $50,130↓ 4% | 41 mi |
| Yakima, WA Dental Assistants Salary | $47,510↓ 9% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kennewick-Richland, WA
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Kennewick-Richland, WA is $52,370. This typically ranges from $44,110 for entry-level positions to $60,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 7.4% higher than the national median of $48,760.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, Kennewick-Richland, WA offers a lucrative environment for Dental Assistants.The average salary of $52,370 is above the national average, and the strong concentration (LQ 1.64) indicates high demand, making it a favorable location.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kennewick-Richland, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Walla Walla, WA ($50,130) and Yakima, WA.
How does the Kennewick-Richland, WA salary compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Kennewick-Richland, WA, earn an average of $52,370 annually, which is $3,610 more than the national average of $48,760.
What is the concentration of Dental Assistants in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
The concentration of Dental Assistants in Kennewick-Richland, WA, is 1.64 times the national average, indicating a significantly higher presence of this profession in the local job market.
How does the cost of living affect the Dental Assistant salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Kennewick-Richland, WA area matches the national average. Therefore, the $52,370 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
What does the job market size suggest for Dental Assistants in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
A local workforce of 510 Dental Assistants and 3.996 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable and accessible job market for this role within the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area with a job density of 3.996 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Dental Assistants Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Kennewick-Richland, WA
- All Occupations Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
- Browse All Jobs in Kennewick-Richland, WA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kennewick-Richland, WA