Eugene vs Gresham: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Eugene, OR and Gresham, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Gresham, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,337 | $61,568▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.01 | $29.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,353▲ | $45,631 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,014 | $55,070▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,823 | $73,707▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,930 | $78,205▲ |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Gresham, OR offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Eugene.
The salary gap between Eugene and Gresham is $1,231 (2.04%). Gresham's median is +24.18% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $21,577,Gresham spans $32,574. Gresham has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gresham ($60,008 effective) pays 1.01% more than Eugene ($59,406 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Gresham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,568/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,205)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,008)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Eugene grew 33.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Gresham over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$43,790 (2019) → $58,500 (2025)
Gresham, OR
$52,491 (2024) → $59,694 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Gresham, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Eugene or Gresham?
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Should I relocate from Eugene to Gresham as a dental assistant?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov