Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Klamath Falls, OR: $26.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Klamath Falls, OR runs $26.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,433 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Klamath Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,261 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Klamath Falls, Oregon, the projected median dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $26.65, significantly above the national median of $23.84. This favorable rate reflects the local demand for skilled dental assistants across various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. For those working part-time, say three days per week, or on a per-diem basis, the hourly pay offers a competitive edge, allowing for flexible job arrangements in a variety of clinical environments. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $22.21 per hour, with experienced professionals reaching up to $32.95. These figures, estimated from annual salary data, indicate healthy pay structures that provide opportunities for advancement in the field.
About the Klamath Falls 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) | $22.21 | $177.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.39 | $203.14 |
| Median (P50) | $26.65 | $213.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.72 | $253.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.95 | $263.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Klamath Falls
Based on $26.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.65/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Klamath Falls, OR can expect to earn approximately $55,435 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,982. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Klamath Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Klamath Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,066.06 | $4,620 | $55,435 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $639.63 | $2,772 | $33,261 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $426.42 | $1,848 | $22,174 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Klamath Falls) | $26.65 |
| 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 Klamath Falls, OR earn a median of $55,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 7.90% below the Oregon state average of $60,187.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.65/hr = $33,261/year (purchasing power: $32,418).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,435/year (purchasing power: $54,030).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Klamath Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Klamath Falls grew 19.9% from $21.54/hr (2019) to $25.84/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.49/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 Klamath Falls 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 Klamath Falls
Considering part-time employment, a dental assistant working 24 hours per week would see their annual take-home income considerably lower than that of full-time counterparts. For example, working part-time could result in annual earnings significantly less than full-time positions, thus impacting long-term financial planning and benefits acquisition. Per-diem dental assistants in Klamath Falls commonly bill between $22 and $35 per hour, while specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics may command rates of $28 to $45 per hour. The type of employer heavily influences these rates, with general practices, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics adopting different pay scales. Interestingly, some dental assistants might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health insurance benefits, while others pursue higher pay with fewer benefits. Practical negotiations for hourly workers can involve emphasizing unique skill sets or specific credentials such as EFDA certification, which can lead to better compensation opportunities in the evolving market influenced by DSO chains.
More salary data for Klamath Falls, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Klamath Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Klamath Falls?
Are dental assistants in Klamath Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Klamath Falls?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Klamath Falls?
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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 Klamath Falls. 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 Klamath Falls 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