Salem vs The Dalles: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Salem, OR and The Dalles, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | The Dalles, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,931▲ | $112,168 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.07▲ | $53.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,254▲ | $93,489 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,924▲ | $99,529 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,189▲ | $123,114 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,868 | $138,912▲ |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Salem and The Dalles is $12,763 (11.38%). Salem's median is +21.36% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $19,614,The Dalles spans $45,423. The Dalles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($120,533 effective) pays 10.25% more than The Dalles ($109,326 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,931/year)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,533)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose The Dalles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,912)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Salem grew 30.3% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in The Dalles over the same period.
Salem, OR
$91,360 (2020) → $119,050 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$81,070 (2020) → $106,888 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Salem or The Dalles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and The Dalles?
Should I relocate from Salem to The Dalles as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Salem vs The Dalles?
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov