Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Grants Pass, OR: $28.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Grants Pass, OR runs $28.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,007 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Grants Pass's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.8, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,003 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Grants Pass, Oregon, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $28.85, considerably surpassing the national average hourly median of $23.84. This elevated rate indicates a favorable wage environment for dental assistants, which is particularly advantageous for part-time professionals working three days a week. Per-diem work opportunities in various settings, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices, can offer flexible scheduling while still providing competitive pay. The hourly wage range spans from approximately $24.46 for entry-level positions to about $31.58 for the top earners, reflecting the diverse experience levels and responsibilities within this profession. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS information, projected to 2026.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.46 | $195.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.50 | $227.98 |
| Median (P50) | $28.85 | $230.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.94 | $247.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.58 | $252.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grants Pass
Based on $28.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.85/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grants Pass, OR can expect to earn approximately $60,004 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,618. With a cost-of-living index of 97.76 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grants Pass.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grants Pass
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,153.93 | $5,000 | $60,004 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $692.36 | $3,000 | $36,003 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.57 | $2,000 | $24,002 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Grants Pass) | $28.85 |
| 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 Grants Pass, OR earn a median of $60,007 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.03% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.30% below the Oregon state average of $60,187.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.85/hr = $36,003/year (purchasing power: $36,828).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,004/year (purchasing power: $61,379).
CoL index: 97.76 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Grants Pass (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Grants Pass grew 43.7% from $19.46/hr (2019) to $27.97/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.75/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 Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass
For dental assistants who opt for part-time work in Grants Pass, the financial outlook can slightly differ when compared to their full-time counterparts. If a dental assistant works 24 hours per week, their annual income would amount to around $45,030—a respectable figure, especially when considering the cost of living in Grants Pass, which is below the national average. Those in the per-diem sector often see varied rates, with standard pay between $22-$35 per hour, but specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics can command even higher rates of $28-$45 per hour. Within the city's dental landscape, hourly pay rates may differ depending on the type of practice; general dental practices and pediatric facilities might offer lower rates compared to high-demand sectors such as oral surgery or orthodontics. Many workers may choose slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might prioritize higher immediate pay without the benefits. Practical negotiation tactics for dental assistants in Grants Pass often revolve around highlighting specific experience or certifications, such as DANB credentials, which may strengthen their position for higher wages across various dental settings.
More salary data for Grants Pass, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Grants Pass in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Grants Pass?
Are dental assistants in Grants Pass paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Grants Pass?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Grants Pass?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Grants Pass. 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