Healthcare Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Dental Assistant Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median dental assistant salary in Portland, OR is $51,012 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$51,012
vs State Avg
+$3,401
vs National
+$8,502
Cost of Living
118%

Dental Assistant Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $37,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,200
+$6,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,600
+$8,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,600
+$11,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $36,000
25th Percentile $42,000
Median (50th) $51,012
75th Percentile $62,400
90th Percentile $72,000

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Portland

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Portland 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 Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Portland

Browse open dental assistant positions in Portland, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Portland

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Portland, OR?
The median dental assistant salary in Portland, Oregon is $51,012 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $36,000 (10th percentile) to $72,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Portland?
Based on the median annual salary of $51,012, a dental assistant in Portland earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for dental assistant pay?
Portland's median dental assistant salary of $51,012 is 7.1% above the Oregon state average of $47,611. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR?
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $51,012 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Portland?
Most dental assistant positions in Portland 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.