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Average Dental Assistants Salary in Yakima, WA

Dental Assistants in Yakima, WA, can expect an average annual salary of $47,510. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,760, a common occurrence in regions where local economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation structures. The specific needs and economic landscape of Yakima contribute to this nuanced pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $47,510 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,380.
  • Outlook: Yakima, WA, hosts a notable concentration of Dental Assistants, with a total local workforce of 470 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.95 indicates a significantly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a well-established professional community. This concentration points to a stable job market for Dental Assistants in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$47,510

The average Dental Assistants in Yakima, WA earns-2.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.8

Weekly

$914

Monthly

$3,959

Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Yakima, WA

Career progression for Dental Assistants in Yakima, WA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or advanced certifications can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$36,460$17.5
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$35,633$17.1
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$45,860$22
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$59,388$28.6
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$58,380$28.1

Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$47,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$47,510

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $47,510 in Yakima, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for Dental Assistants without the added pressure of a high cost of living.

Job Market Context

470

Total Jobs

4.739

Per 1K Jobs

1.95

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Yakima, WA has 1.9x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 1.95, Yakima, WA, demonstrates a market that is nearly twice as concentrated with Dental Assistants as the national average. This suggests a strong, established demand for these professionals within the local healthcare ecosystem, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive, yet accessible, employment landscape.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants

CitySalaryDist.
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Dental Assistants Salary$50,310↑ 6%59 mi
Kennewick-Richland, WA Dental Assistants Salary$52,370↑ 10%71 mi
Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary$53,830↑ 13%71 mi
Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary$52,060↑ 10%71 mi

Comparing salaries near Yakima, WA

Hiring Dental Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Assistants make in Yakima, WA?

The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Yakima, WA is $47,510. This typically ranges from $36,460 for entry-level positions to $58,380 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Yakima, WA is 2.6% lower than the national median of $48,760.

Is Yakima, WA a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?

Yes, it offers good value.Yakima, WA, presents a balanced financial picture for Dental Assistants, with an average salary matching the national average cost of living. The high concentration of dental professionals indicates strong local demand.

Is Yakima, WA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Yakima, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Yakima, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA ($50,310) and Kennewick-Richland, WA.

How does Yakima's Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Yakima, WA, is $47,510, which is slightly lower than the national average of $48,760.

What is the cost of living in Yakima, WA for Dental Assistants?

The cost of living in Yakima, WA, is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.

Is there high demand for Dental Assistants in Yakima, WA?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.95 suggests a significantly higher concentration of Dental Assistants in Yakima compared to the national average, indicating strong local demand.

How many Dental Assistants are there in Yakima, WA?

Yakima, WA, has a local workforce of 470 Dental Assistants.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Yakima, WA area with a job density of 4.739 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Yakima, WA