Average Dental Assistants Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Dental Assistants in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $58,470. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $48,760, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs for dental practices in the region. The robust local economy and specialized healthcare needs likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,860.
- Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area demonstrates a healthy job market for Dental Assistants, with a local workforce of 3,720 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.26 suggests that this occupation is more concentrated here than the national average, implying a sustained and potentially growing demand for these skilled individuals within the region's healthcare sector.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+19.9%above the national average.
$28.1
$1,124
$4,873
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Assistants in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demands, inflation, and the rising cost of living typically drive upward adjustments in compensation for essential roles like Dental Assistants.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights significant opportunities for salary growth through dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $46,440 | $22.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $43,853 | $21.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $58,380 | $28.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $73,088 | $35.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $74,860 | $36 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
For professionals considering a move to Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, the average Dental Assistant salary of $58,470 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher nominal wage effectively offsets the cost of living, providing a stable financial footing.
Job Market Context
3,720
Total Jobs
3.065
Per 1K Jobs
1.26
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.26, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.26, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area exhibits a higher concentration of Dental Assistants compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet robust job market where demand is consistently present, offering ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Dental Assistants Salary | $56,310↓ 4% | 44 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Dental Assistants Salary | $51,090↓ 13% | 46 mi |
| Albany, OR Dental Assistants Salary | $54,380↓ 7% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Dental Assistants Salary | $53,440↓ 9% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $52,870↓ 10% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $58,470. This typically ranges from $46,440 for entry-level positions to $74,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 19.9% higher than the national median of $48,760.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Dental Assistants.Dental Assistants in this region earn approximately $9,710 more annually than the national average, with a cost of living that is on par with the national index.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($56,310) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
What is the average annual salary for a Dental Assistant in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The average annual salary for a Dental Assistant in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $58,470.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro ($58,470) is significantly higher than the national average ($48,760).
What does the Location Quotient of 1.26 signify for Dental Assistants in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.26 indicates that Dental Assistants are more concentrated in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro than the national average, suggesting strong local demand and job availability.
How does the cost of living in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro affect the Dental Assistant salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary of $58,470 offers equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary, making it financially stable.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,720 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 3.065 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA