Healthcare Eugene, OR Pop. 176,654

Dental Assistant Salary in Eugene, Oregon

The median dental assistant salary in Eugene, OR is $45,486 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 4.5% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$45,486
vs State Avg
$-2,125
vs National
+$2,976
Cost of Living
105%

Dental Assistant Pay in Eugene: What to Expect (2026)

Eugene offers a median dental assistant salary of $45,486, which is $2,125 below the Oregon state average of $47,611. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Eugene pays above average for this role.

Eugene's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental assistants in Eugene spans from $32,100 at the 10th percentile to $64,200 at the 90th percentile — a $32,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,170, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $62,060. With a population of 176,654, Eugene is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Eugene by Experience

In Eugene, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $33,170, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,060 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,170
+$2,170 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,010
+$3,010 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,060
+$4,060 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Eugene, OR

Percentile Eugene
10th Percentile $32,100
25th Percentile $37,450
Median (50th) $45,486
75th Percentile $55,640
90th Percentile $64,200

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Eugene

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Eugene and the surrounding Oregon 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 Eugene may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Eugene

Browse open dental assistant positions in Eugene, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Eugene

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Eugene, OR? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Eugene, Oregon is $45,486 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $32,100 (10th percentile) to $64,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Eugene? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,486, a dental assistant in Eugene earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Eugene compare to the Oregon state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Eugene's median dental assistant salary of $45,486 is 4.5% below the Oregon state average of $47,611. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Eugene, OR? ▼
Eugene has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $45,486 in Eugene has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Eugene? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Eugene 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.