Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Tualatin, OR: $27.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Tualatin, OR runs $27.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,809 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Tualatin's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,690 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tualatin, Oregon, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $27.80, significantly higher than the national average of $23.84. This attractive pay level allows part-time workers, typically employed three days per week, to take home a substantial income while balancing personal commitments. For per-diem dental assistants working in various settings—such as general dentistry offices, pediatric exam rooms, or orthodontic chairs—the range of hourly pay can vary widely. This profession's hourly pay ranges from approximately $22.92 for entry-level positions to $36.03 for top earners, indicating the potential for career advancement and skill development. These figures are derived from estimates based on annual salary data and reflect the competitive nature of the dental assistant hourly pay in Tualatin, OR.
About the Tualatin 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) | $22.92 | $183.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.41 | $211.31 |
| Median (P50) | $27.80 | $222.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.30 | $258.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.03 | $288.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tualatin
Based on $27.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.80/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tualatin, OR can expect to earn approximately $57,816 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,355. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tualatin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tualatin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,111.85 | $4,818 | $57,816 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $667.11 | $2,891 | $34,690 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $444.74 | $1,927 | $23,126 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Tualatin) | $27.80 |
| 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 Tualatin, OR earn a median of $57,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.60% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $60,155.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.80/hr = $34,690/year (purchasing power: $33,811).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,816/year (purchasing power: $56,351).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Tualatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Tualatin grew 19.9% from $22.47/hr (2019) to $26.95/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.67/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 Tualatin 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 Tualatin
When considering income, a part-time dental assistant working 24 hours per week could earn around $43,584 annually, which can present a practical lifestyle for many in the community. For those looking at per diem roles, such arrangements can yield variable compensation with rates generally falling between $22 and $45 per hour, depending on the setting and specialty. For example, oral surgery and orthodontic positions often command higher pay within that range. In Tualatin, hourly compensation also fluctuates based on the type of employer, with general practices, pediatric offices, and larger DSO chains like Heartland and Pacific Dental employing standardized pay scales. Some dental assistants may choose positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating hourly pay can be an effective strategy, especially in a market like Tualatin where DAs with expanded function authority (EFDA) may earn significantly more.
More salary data for Tualatin, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Tualatin in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Tualatin?
Are dental assistants in Tualatin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Tualatin?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Tualatin?
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 Tualatin. 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 Tualatin 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