Healthcare Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Dental Assistant Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median dental assistant salary in Tacoma, WA is $48,461 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 4.2% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$48,461
vs State Avg
$-2,126
vs National
+$5,951
Cost of Living
110%

Dental Assistant Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $35,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,340
+$4,340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,020
+$6,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,120
+$8,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $34,200
25th Percentile $39,900
Median (50th) $48,461
75th Percentile $59,280
90th Percentile $68,400

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$66,316
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$64,615
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$45,061
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$40,810
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Tacoma

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Tacoma and the surrounding Washington area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tacoma may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open dental assistant positions in Tacoma, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Tacoma, Washington is $48,461 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $34,200 (10th percentile) to $68,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,461, a dental assistant in Tacoma earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Tacoma's median dental assistant salary of $48,461 is 4.2% below the Washington state average of $50,587. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $48,461 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Tacoma? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Tacoma require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.