Eugene vs Woodburn: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Eugene, OR and Woodburn, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Woodburn, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,337▲ | $59,186 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.01▲ | $28.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,353▲ | $46,283 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,014 | $54,355▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,823 | $70,484▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,930 | $73,698▲ |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Woodburn.
The salary gap between Eugene and Woodburn is $1,151 (1.94%). 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,Woodburn spans $27,415. Woodburn 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 2.98% more than Woodburn ($57,686 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 Woodburn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,698)
- ✓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 Woodburn over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$43,790 (2019) → $58,500 (2025)
Woodburn, OR
$50,460 (2024) → $57,384 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Woodburn, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Eugene or Woodburn?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Woodburn?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Woodburn as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Eugene vs Woodburn?
Related Comparisons
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