Healthcare Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Dental Assistant Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median dental assistant salary in Salem, OR is $44,210 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 7.1% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$44,210
vs State Avg
$-3,401
vs National
+$1,700
Cost of Living
102%

Dental Assistant Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $32,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,240
+$1,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,720
+$1,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,320
+$2,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $31,200
25th Percentile $36,400
Median (50th) $44,210
75th Percentile $54,080
90th Percentile $62,400

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Salem

Education

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

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Salem

Browse open dental assistant positions in Salem, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Salem

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Salem, OR?
The median dental assistant salary in Salem, Oregon is $44,210 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $31,200 (10th percentile) to $62,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Salem?
Based on the median annual salary of $44,210, a dental assistant in Salem earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for dental assistant pay?
Salem's median dental assistant salary of $44,210 is 7.1% below the Oregon state average of $47,611. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR?
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $44,210 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Salem?
Most dental assistant positions in Salem 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.