Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Woodburn, OR: $28.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Woodburn, OR runs $28.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,186 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Woodburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,513 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woodburn, Oregon, the dental assistant hourly rate is projected to be $28.46 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $23.84. This competitive hourly wage allows dental assistants working part-time, say three days a week, to earn a significant income even without a full-time commitment. Estimations suggest that per-diem workers operating in various dental settings, such as general practices and specialized clinics, can expect to earn hourly wages ranging from $22.25 to $35.43, depending on their experience and the type of procedures they assist with. For those starting in the field, the lower end of the pay scale at $22.25 still offers a reasonable entry point, while top earners could see salaries as high as $35.43, reflecting the specialized skills and increased responsibilities that often accompany advanced positions.
About the Woodburn 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) | $22.25 | $177.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.14 | $209.09 |
| Median (P50) | $28.46 | $227.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.88 | $271.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.43 | $283.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woodburn
Based on $28.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.46/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woodburn, OR can expect to earn approximately $59,189 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,148. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Woodburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woodburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,138.25 | $4,932 | $59,189 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $682.95 | $2,959 | $35,513 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.30 | $1,973 | $23,676 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Woodburn) | $28.46 |
| 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 Woodburn, OR earn a median of $59,186 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.38% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.60% below the Oregon state average of $60,148.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.46/hr = $35,513/year (purchasing power: $34,614).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,189/year (purchasing power: $57,689).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Woodburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Woodburn grew 19.9% from $23.00/hr (2019) to $27.59/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.35/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 Woodburn 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 Woodburn
Analyzing the earning potential reveals that a part-time dental assistant working 24 hours a week could take home considerably less annually than a full-time counterpart, depending on the number of hours worked and the specific dental environment. Per diem dental assistants can find themselves earning anywhere from $22 to $45 per hour, particularly when serving in high-demand specialties like orthodontics or oral surgery. While some dental practices in Woodburn may offer competitive pay rates, employers often present a trade-off between higher hourly wages and benefits such as health insurance. Workers should weigh these options carefully, particularly as many industry players, including larger dental service organizations, standardize pay scales. Negotiating effectively is key; emphasizing skills, certifications from programs like DANB or ADAA, and experience can help secure higher compensation. Understanding the nuances of per diem dental assistant pay in Woodburn may be beneficial for both new graduates and experienced professionals looking for flexibility.
More salary data for Woodburn, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Woodburn in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Woodburn?
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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 Woodburn. 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 Woodburn 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