Dental Salary Data · BLS OEWS May 2025
Dental Assistant Salary in Salem
The median dental assistant earns $59,210 a year in the Salem metro, with the middle half between $57,810 and $62,190.[1]
25th percentile
$57,810
Lower end of the middle half
Median
$59,210
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile
$62,190
Upper end of the middle half
Salem runs about the same as the Oregon median and ranks 3rd of 8 Oregon metros. It is about 23% higher than the national median.
Salem pay range vs. Oregon and the U.S.
| Percentile | Metro annual | Oregon annual | U.S. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,040 | $49,010 | $37,130 |
| 25th percentile | $57,810 | $56,600 | $44,340 |
| Median | $59,210 | $59,490 | $48,070 |
| 75th percentile | $62,190 | $63,520 | $58,090 |
| 90th percentile | $71,750 | $75,570 | $62,250 |
| Mean (average) | $59,080 | $60,110 | $50,200 |
570
3.00
1.20
For dental pros in Salem
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Dental Assistant salary in Salem: FAQ
How much do dental assistants make in Salem?
The median dental assistant salary in the Salem metro area is $59,210, with the middle half earning between $57,810 and $62,190 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The full range runs from $49,040 at the 10th percentile to $71,750 at the 90th.
Is Salem higher or lower than the rest of Oregon?
Salem runs about the same as the Oregon state median for dental assistants. It ranks 3rd of 8 Oregon metro areas by median pay. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures.)
How does Salem compare nationally?
Dental Assistant pay in Salem is about 23% higher than the U.S. median. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures, not adjusted for cost of living.)
How many dental assistants work in the Salem area?
BLS estimates 570 dental assistants were employed in the Salem metro area in May 2025. Its location quotient is 1.20, so the role is more concentrated than the national average.
Other Oregon metros