Dental Assistant in Everett, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

As a local career analyst, I'll tell you upfront: Everett isn't the highest-paying dental market in Washington, but it offers a solid middle-ground with manageable living costs. The median salary for Dental Assistants in the Everett metro is $46,567/year, which breaks down to $22.39/hour. This sits just above the national average of $44,820/year, a modest but meaningful local advantage.

However, the job market here is small but steady. There are only 222 jobs in the metro area, which means competition can be fierce for the best positions. The 10-year job growth projection is 7%, slightly below the national average but still consistent. The key here is understanding where you fit in the local hierarchy.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Everett)	What to Expect
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$38,000 - $42,000	Mostly chairside assisting, basic sterilization, front desk duties. Often starts at higher-volume corporate practices.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$46,567 (Median)	You'll handle more complex procedures (e.g., crown preps, simple extractions), manage inventory, and train new hires.
Senior/Lead (5-10 yrs)	$52,000 - $58,000	Often a lead assistant role, may help with expanded duties (e.g., coronal polishing, sealants), and manage schedules.
Expert/Specialty (10+ yrs)	$60,000+	Rare in Everett, but possible in specialty practices (orthodontics, oral surgery) or practice management.

Comparison to Other WA Cities

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Insight
Everett	$46,567	113.0	Balanced market, moderate competition.
Seattle	$52,000+	152.0	Higher pay, but cost of living erases the advantage.
Spokane	$42,000	98.5	Lower cost, but lower salary ceiling.
Tacoma	$45,000	120.0	Similar to Everett but with more competition from Seattle.

Insider Tip: If you're moving from a lower-cost state, don't just compare salaries. Everett's 113.0 cost of living index (US avg = 100) means your dollar goes further than in Seattle, but you'll still need to budget carefully.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. The median salary of $46,567 comes to about $3,880/month before taxes. After federal, state (WA has no income tax, which is a huge plus), and FICA taxes, you're looking at roughly $3,150/month take-home.

Now, housing: The average 1BR rent in Everett is $1,864/month. That's a big chunk of your income—about 59% of your take-home pay. This is the critical number that makes or breaks your decision. Let's break it down:

Monthly Budget for a Dental Assistant Earning $46,567/Year

Category	Amount	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,150	After taxes (WA has no state income tax)
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,864	This is the biggest hurdle in Everett
Utilities	$150	Electricity, heating (crucial for damp winters), internet
Groceries	$350	Moderate cost, slightly above national average
Transportation	$250	Car payment, gas, insurance (public transit is limited)
Health Insurance	$250	Often partially covered by employers, but deductibles add up
Savings/Debt	$286	Leftover for emergency fund, student loans, retirement
Discretionary	$0	That's right, there's no room for dining out or entertainment

Can they afford to buy a home? In short: not on this salary alone. The median home price in Everett is around $550,000. With a 20% down payment ($110,000), a mortgage payment would exceed $2,800/month—more than your entire take-home pay. This is why many dental assistants in Everett live with roommates or in more affordable neighborhoods (see below). Buying a home is a long-term goal, typically requiring a dual income or a move into a high-earning specialty.

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Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

The Everett dental market is dominated by a mix of large health systems, private practices, and corporate chains. Here are the key players:

1. Providence Everett Medical Center (Colby Ave & 13th St): The largest employer in the area. Their dental clinic is part of the larger hospital system, offering stability and benefits. They often hire for their oral surgery and pediatric clinics. Hiring Trend: They prefer candidates with hospital experience and BLS certification.

2. Sea Mar Community Health Centers (Multiple locations, including 10th St): Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving low-income populations. Great for those wanting mission-driven work. Hiring Trend: High turnover due to pace, but excellent for gaining experience with diverse patient populations.

3. Corporate Chains (Aspen Dental, Heartland Dental): Located in the Everett Mall area and north Everett. These are volume-driven practices. Hiring Trend: They hire frequently but often for rapid-growth environments. Good for entry-level, but burnout is common.

4. Specialty Practices (e.g., Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery): Located near Providence Hospital. These are the highest-paying roles but require 5+ years of experience. Hiring Trend: Very selective; they often poach from other local practices.

5. Private Group Practices (e.g., Advanced Dental of Everett): Located in south Everett near the Boeing plant. These are the "sweet spot"—stable, moderate pace, good pay. Hiring Trend: They hire through word-of-mouth. Insider Tip: Network at the Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) meetings—they often post jobs there first.

6. Pediatric Dental Specialists (e.g., Everett Pediatric Dentistry): Located in the Silver Lake area. Hiring Trend: They look for assistants with patience and experience with children.

7. UW Medicine's Dental School Outreach: While not in Everett proper, they have clinics in south Snohomish County. Hiring Trend: They often hire part-time for community health events.

Key Insight: The Boeing plant in south Everett has a dental clinic for employees, which is a hidden gem. It's stable, offers great benefits, but is extremely hard to get into without internal referrals.

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Getting Licensed in WA

Washington has specific requirements for Dental Assistants that differ from other states. Here’s the step-by-step:

State-Specific Requirements

1. Basic Requirements: No formal education required for general chairside assisting, but you must have a high school diploma or GED.
2. Expanded Function Permits: To perform tasks like coronal polishing, sealants, or fluoride treatments, you need a Dental Assistant Permit (DAP) or Dental Anesthesia Assistant Permit (DAAP). This requires:
   • 1,200 hours of clinical experience OR graduation from a CODA-accredited program.
   • Passing the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam (CDA, RDA, or specific state exams).
   • Cost: $200-$400 for the exam, plus $50-$100 for permit application.
3. Radiography Certification: To take X-rays, you must complete a WA State-approved radiology course (often 8-12 hours).

Timeline and Costs

Step	Time Required	Approx. Cost
Complete Training	9-12 months (if starting from scratch)	$3,000-$8,000 (certificate program)
Gain Clinical Hours	6-12 months (on-the-job training)	$0 (if employed)
Pass DANB Exam	1-2 months of study	$200-$400
Apply for Permit	2-4 weeks	$50-$100
Total Timeline	12-24 months	$3,250-$8,500

Insider Tip: Many Everett employers, especially corporate chains, will pay for your DANB exam and permit if you commit to working for them for 1-2 years. Always ask about this in interviews.

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Best Neighborhoods for Dental Assistants

Where you live in Everett directly impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. South Everett (Airport Way/Beverly Park):

   • Rent: $1,600-$1,800 for a 1BR
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most dental offices (including Boeing clinic)
   • Vibe: Working-class, family-oriented, close to I-5. Best for: Those who want to save money and don't mind a longer walk to coffee shops.

2. Downtown Everett (Colby Ave):

   • Rent: $1,900-$2,100 for a 1BR
   • Commute: Walking distance to Providence Hospital and many downtown offices
   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, near restaurants and the waterfront. Best for: Social assistants who want nightlife and a shorter commute.

3. Silver Lake:

   • Rent: $1,700-$1,900 for a 1BR
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown
   • Vibe: Suburban, quiet, with the lake itself as a perk. Best for: Those who want a balance of peace and accessibility.

4. North Everett (Delta/Bayview):

   • Rent: $1,500-$1,700 for a 1BR
   • Commute: 20-25 minutes to Providence (depending on traffic)
   • Vibe: More residential, older homes, fewer amenities. Best for: Budget-conscious assistants who don't mind a longer drive.

5. Mill Creek (Technically outside Everett):

   • Rent: $2,000+ for a 1BR
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to Everett offices
   • Vibe: Upscale, planned community with walking trails and shopping. Best for: Those with a higher income or partner to split costs.

Insider Tip: If you're moving alone, consider a roommate in Silver Lake or South Everett. It can cut your rent to $900-$1,100/month, freeing up $700-$900 in your budget for savings and discretionary spending.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Everett is a stepping stone, not a final destination for most dental assistants. Here’s how to advance:

Specialty Premiums

Moving into a specialty can boost your salary significantly:

• Oral Surgery: +15-25% above median (potential for $55,000-$60,000)
• Orthodontics: +10-20% (potential for $52,000-$58,000)
• Pediatric Dentistry: +5-10% (similar to median, but more job openings)
• Periodontics: +15% (rare in Everett, often requires commuting to Seattle)

Advancement Paths

1. Clinical Track: Lead Assistant → Office Manager → Practice Owner (rare)
2. Education Track: Become a DANB-certified instructor at Everett Community College (offers a dental assisting program)
3. Corporate Track: Move into sales (dental equipment) or corporate training for chains like Heartland Dental.

10-Year Outlook

With 7% growth, you can expect:

• Years 1-3: Entry-level roles, building experience.
• Years 4-7: Mid-level, possibly specializing. Salary potential: $50,000-$55,000.
• Years 8-10: Leadership or specialty roles. Salary potential: $60,000-$70,000 (if you commute to Seattle or move into management).

Insider Tip: The Washington State Dental Association offers advanced certification courses. Investing in these (e.g., dental anesthesia permit) can open doors to the specialty practices near Providence.

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The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros and Cons Table

Pros	Cons
No state income tax (WA is one of few states)	High rent-to-income ratio (59% of take-home goes to rent)
Stable job market with 222 positions	Limited high-paying specialty opportunities
Proximity to Seattle (45 min drive) for weekend trips	Commute traffic on I-5 can be brutal
Access to natural beauty (Puget Sound, mountains)	Competitive job market for the best positions
Diverse employer mix (hospital, private, corporate)	Fewer networking events compared to Seattle

Final Recommendation

Everett is a viable option for Dental Assistants if:

• You are willing to live with a roommate to manage rent costs.
• You value work-life balance over maximizing salary.
• You plan to specialize or eventually move to Seattle for higher pay.
• You enjoy the Pacific Northwest lifestyle without the Seattle price tag.

It’s not ideal if:

• You want to buy a home on a single dental assistant salary.
• You crave the hustle of a big city with abundant networking.
• You need the highest possible salary immediately.

Bottom Line: Everett is a "starter city" for dental assistants—a place to gain experience, build a resume, and decide if the Pacific Northwest is your long-term home. The median salary of $46,567 is livable but tight, especially with the $1,864 average rent. Budget carefully, specialize where you can, and use Everett as a launchpad to Seattle or beyond.

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FAQs

1. Can I live in Everett on a dental assistant salary without a roommate?
It’s extremely difficult. With $3,150 take-home and $1,864 rent, you’d have only $1,286 left for all other expenses. That leaves almost no room for savings, emergencies, or debt. A roommate is strongly recommended.

2. Are there part-time dental assistant jobs in Everett?
Yes, but they are scarce. Private practices sometimes hire part-time for front desk or weekend shifts. Check Indeed and Glassdoor for postings. Providence and Sea Mar sometimes offer part-time roles, but benefits are limited.

3. Do I need a car in Everett?
Yes, unless you live and work in downtown Everett. Public transit (Community Transit) is limited and doesn’t serve all dental office locations efficiently. A car is a necessity for commuting to south Everett or Silver Lake.

4. How competitive is the job market?
With 222 jobs in the metro, it’s moderately competitive. Entry-level roles are easier to get, but mid-level and specialty positions often require 2+ years of local experience. Insider Tip: Apply in September-October when offices are post-summer and pre-holiday.

5. Is Everett a good place to start a family as a dental assistant?
It depends on your financial situation. The public schools in Silver Lake and south Everett are decent, but you’d likely need a dual income to afford a 2BR apartment ($2,200+/month) or a house. Without a partner’s income, it’s a struggle.

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Sources:

• Salary data: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
• Cost of Living: Sperling’s BestPlaces (2023)
• Job Growth: Washington State Employment Security Department
• Licensing: Washington State Dental Association, DANB
• Rent Data: Zillow Rental Market, Apartment List (2023)