Eugene vs Tualatin: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Eugene, OR and Tualatin, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Tualatin, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,337▲ | $57,809 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.01▲ | $27.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,353▲ | $47,662 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,014 | $54,950▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,823 | $67,188▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,930 | $74,945▲ |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tualatin.
The salary gap between Eugene and Tualatin is $2,528 (4.37%). Eugene's median is +21.70% 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,Tualatin spans $27,283. Tualatin 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, Eugene ($59,406 effective) pays 5.43% more than Tualatin ($56,344 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,337/year)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,406)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tualatin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,945)
- ✓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 Tualatin over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$43,790 (2019) → $58,500 (2025)
Tualatin, OR
$49,285 (2024) → $56,049 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Tualatin, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Eugene or Tualatin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Tualatin?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Tualatin as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Eugene vs Tualatin?
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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