Portland vs Gresham: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Portland, OR and Gresham, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Gresham, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,771▲ | $61,568 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.69▲ | $29.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,775▲ | $45,631 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,378▲ | $55,070 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,288 | $73,707▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,428▲ | $78,205 |
| Total Employed | 4,120▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gresham.
The salary gap between Portland and Gresham is $203 (0.33%). Portland's median is +24.59% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $29,653,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 2.41% more than Portland ($58,595 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,771/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,428)
- ✓Larger job market (4,120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Gresham if…
- ✓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 Portland grew 22.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Gresham over the same period.
Portland, OR
$48,970 (2019) → $59,890 (2025)
Gresham, OR
$52,491 (2024) → $59,694 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Gresham, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Portland or Gresham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Gresham?
Should I relocate from Portland to Gresham as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Portland vs Gresham?
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