Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Corvallis, OR: $28.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Corvallis, OR runs $28.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,872 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Corvallis's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.0, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,320 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For dental assistants in Corvallis, Oregon, the median hourly pay is projected to be $28.30 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $23.84. This premium hourly rate not only reflects the growing demand for dental services but also makes a substantial difference for part-time workers and per-diem employees. For example, a dental assistant working three days a week can earn a stable income while enjoying flexibility in their schedule, often providing support in various dental settings, from general dentistry operatories to periodontal surgical suites. With an hourly range extending from $24.22 for entry-level positions to $29.96 for more experienced professionals, the potential for earnings is both competitive and attractive, underscoring the value placed on skills within dental practices across Corvallis.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.22 | $193.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.26 | $202.07 |
| Median (P50) | $28.30 | $226.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.06 | $232.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.96 | $239.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Corvallis
Based on $28.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.30/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Corvallis, OR can expect to earn approximately $58,867 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,962. With a cost-of-living index of 104.02 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Corvallis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Corvallis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,132.06 | $4,906 | $58,867 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $679.24 | $2,943 | $35,320 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.83 | $1,962 | $23,547 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Corvallis) | $28.30 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Corvallis, OR earn a median of $58,872 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.74% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.20% below the Oregon state average of $60,197.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.30/hr = $35,320/year (purchasing power: $33,956).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,867/year (purchasing power: $56,594).
CoL index: 104.017 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Corvallis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Corvallis grew 25.5% from $21.86/hr (2019) to $27.44/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.19/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Corvallis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Corvallis
Assessing the earning potential for part-time dental assistants reveals that those working three days a week accumulate significant annual income, although still less than full-time counterparts. A part-time dental assistant working a total of 24 hours per week would take home approximately $35,424 annually, a compelling figure amid the cost of living in Corvallis. On the other hand, per diem dental assistant pay in Corvallis varies widely, with standard billing rates between $22 and $35 per hour, and those in specialized fields like orthodontics or oral surgery potentially reaching $28 to $45 per hour. With the emergence of dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen reshaping pay structures, it is essential for dental assistants to consider employer types when negotiating hourly pay. Some may opt for lower hourly rates at practices offering health insurance benefits, while others may prioritize higher pay with no additional perks. Success in negotiations often comes down to understanding the specific market dynamics in Corvallis and leveraging relevant qualifications, including certifications from DANB or ADAA.
More salary data for Corvallis, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Corvallis in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Corvallis?
Are dental assistants in Corvallis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Corvallis?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Corvallis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov