Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Gresham, OR: $29.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Gresham, OR runs $29.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,568 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Gresham's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,942 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gresham, Oregon, dental assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $29.60, significantly higher than the national median of $23.84. This competitive rate reflects the growing demand in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and periodontal surgical suites. For professionals opting to work part-time—say, three days per week—this means they can still achieve a respectable income while enjoying flexibility in their schedules. Entry-level positions can start around $21.94 per hour, while more seasoned dental assistants can earn up to $37.59, providing opportunities for advancement within diverse environments. These hourly rates provide a clear picture of the financial landscape for dental assistants in Gresham, from general practices to specialized clinics.
About the Gresham Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.94 | $175.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.48 | $211.81 |
| Median (P50) | $29.60 | $236.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.44 | $283.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.59 | $300.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gresham
Based on $29.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.60/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gresham, OR can expect to earn approximately $61,570 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,521. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gresham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gresham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,184.05 | $5,131 | $61,570 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.43 | $3,079 | $36,942 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.62 | $2,052 | $24,628 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Gresham) | $29.60 |
| 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 Gresham, OR earn a median of $61,568 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.18% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.30% above the Oregon state average of $60,184.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.60/hr = $36,942/year (purchasing power: $36,006).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,570/year (purchasing power: $60,010).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Gresham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Gresham grew 19.9% from $23.93/hr (2019) to $28.70/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.53/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 Gresham 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 Gresham
Part-time dental assistants working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week can take home about $36,076 annually, which represents a considerable income when considering the part-time commitment. For per diem dental assistants, the reality varies: many commonly charge between $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics fetching $28 to $45 per hour. In Gresham, hourly pay fluctuates based on employer type; general practices generally offer different rates compared to pediatric or specialty offices. While some may choose lower hourly figures in exchange for benefits like health insurance and paid time off, others might prefer the higher pay associated with agency or locum tenens work that lacks these benefits. Negotiation skills can also play a crucial role in securing favorable pay rates; understanding local market trends and being informed about the types of practices can empower dental assistants to advocate effectively for their worth.
More salary data for Gresham, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Gresham in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Gresham?
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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 Gresham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gresham is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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