What is the median salary for Dental Assistants in Portland, Oregon?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Assistants in the Portland metropolitan area is $58,380.

Does Portland pay more than the Oregon state average for Dental Assistants?

The Portland metro median is +1.1% versus the Oregon state median of $57,720.

How does Portland compare to the national median for Dental Assistants?

The Portland metro median is +23.1% versus the BLS national figure of $47,443.

What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Portland?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $46,440 and the 90th-percentile at $74,860 for the Portland metro area.

What education is required for Dental Assistants?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Dental Assistants Salary in Portland, Oregon

Median annual$58,380

Mean annual$58,470

Range (10th to 90th)$46,440 to $74,860

Portland, Oregon employment3,720

State vs national+23.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Portland dental assistants fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $54,010 and $61,110, with a median of $58,380.

Typical entry

Education
Postsecondary nondegree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
4.5 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
4.4 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
3.9 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
3.9 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
3.8 / 5
Speech Recognition
Ability
3.8 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
02
Record treatment information in patient records.
03
Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
04
Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
05
Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
06
Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
07
Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
08
Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Dental Assistants in Portland, Oregon?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Assistants in the Portland metropolitan area is $58,380.
Does Portland pay more than the Oregon state average for Dental Assistants?: The Portland metro median is +1.1% versus the Oregon state median of $57,720.
How does Portland compare to the national median for Dental Assistants?: The Portland metro median is +23.1% versus the BLS national figure of $47,443.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Portland?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $46,440 and the 90th-percentile at $74,860 for the Portland metro area.
What education is required for Dental Assistants?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Portland CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.