Dental Assistant Salary in Tigard, OR: $58,500 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Tigard, OR earns a median $58,500/year (≈ $28.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Tigard's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $57,018 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Tigard, Oregon can expect a competitive median annual salary of $58,500, notably higher than the national average of $49,579. With a salary range extending from $45,998 at the lower end (P10) to $75,059 at the top (P90), these figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors. Tigard's specific regulations around expanded function dental assistants (EFDA) contribute significantly to this enhanced pay structure, as those with EFDA credentials can command higher wages, thereby elevating overall compensation in the local job market. The strong demand for skilled dental assistants in the area signals a favorable environment for job seekers pursuing careers in this field.
About the Tigard Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,998 | $22.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,177 | $26.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,500 | $28.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,668 | $33.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,059 | $36.09 |
Median Salary Position
17.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tigard
In Tigard, OR, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,061 (2026 est.). At $58,500, the local median is 17.99% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tigard: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tigard Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Tigard median: $58,500/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tigard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $60,185 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +17.99% more |
Dental Assistants in Tigard, OR earn a median of $58,500 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.99% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.80% below the Oregon state average of $60,185.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tigard has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tigard, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,500 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,018 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,291
2025 BLS Actual
$56,719
2026 Current Est.
$58,500
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Tigard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,291 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,589 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,616 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,884 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,914 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,875 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,719 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,500 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,337 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tigard metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $47,291 (2019) to $56,719 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,337 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,046 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tigard 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,998 – $54,177 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,177 – $58,500 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,500 – $70,668 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,668 – $75,059 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Tigard
Looking forward, the job market for dental assistants in Tigard remains sturdy, with only nine dental assistants currently employed in the area. This limited workforce highlights the growing need for dental professionals, especially as DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen continue to shape hiring trends with competitive pay structures. The local cost of living index stands at 102.6, meaning that individuals working in this role must account for slightly higher living expenses than the national average. For those seeking higher pay in Tigard, targeting roles in specialty practices such as oral surgery or orthodontics can be especially lucrative. Additionally, pursuing EFDA certification or exploring hybrid roles, such as treatment coordinators within dental support organizations, can significantly enhance earning potential. By understanding the local market trends and leveraging these opportunities, dental assistants can effectively maximize their compensation in this vibrant Oregon city.
More salary data for Tigard, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,719 for dental assistantsin the Tigard metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tigard 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