Dental Assistant Salary in Ashland, OR: $57,034 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Ashland, OR earns a median $57,034/year (≈ $27.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $55,589 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Ashland, Oregon, can expect a median annual salary of $57,034, reflecting the region’s expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) regulations that elevate compensation above many general dental assistant rates. The salary range for these professionals spans from $45,224 at the 10th percentile to $71,757 at the 90th percentile, capturing the diversity in roles and responsibilities across the field. These figures are derived from the 2025 BLS occupational employment statistics, projected into 2026 and adjusted for local price parity, highlighting Ashland's above-average market in dental assistant pay. For those considering this career, the enhanced scope of practice permitted by the EFDA credential allows for a more lucrative position, as qualified assistants play increasingly vital roles in dental practices.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,224 | $21.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,050 | $26.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,034 | $27.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,191 | $31.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,757 | $34.50 |
Median Salary Position
15.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, OR, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,533 (2026 est.). At $57,034, the local median is 15.04% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashland Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Ashland median: $57,034/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $60,163 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | +15.04% more |
Dental Assistants in Ashland, OR earn a median of $57,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.04% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $60,163.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,034 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,589 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,107
2025 BLS Actual
$55,298
2026 Current Est.
$57,034
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,107 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,372 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,473 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,559 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,538 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,625 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,298 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,034 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,825 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $46,107 (2019) to $55,298 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,825 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,718 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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) | $45,224 – $55,050 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,050 – $57,034 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,034 – $65,191 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,191 – $71,757 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Ashland
Employment data shows a modest demand in Ashland, with only six dental assistants currently employed in the area, highlighting potential challenges for job seekers. The cost of living index stands at 102.6, slightly above the national average, which means take-home pay may be affected by local expenses. Among local employers, specialty practices such as orthodontics and oral surgery typically offer higher salaries compared to general dental offices, driven by the specialized nature of the work and the higher skill requirements. The disparity in pay is influenced by various factors, including EFDA credentials, hybrid roles like treatment coordinators, and pay tier structures among dental service organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland and Aspen. To maximize earnings in this specific market, pursuing EFDA certification and seeking multifaceted roles will be key strategies for aspiring dental assistants in Ashland.
More salary data for Ashland, 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 $55,298 for dental assistantsin the Ashland 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 Ashland 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