Eugene vs Gresham: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Eugene, OR and Gresham, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Gresham, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,866 | $123,837▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.78 | $59.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,859▲ | $90,674 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,415▲ | $102,118 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,642 | $135,415▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,199 | $156,027▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Gresham, OR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Eugene.
The salary gap between Eugene and Gresham is $11,971 (10.70%). Gresham's median is +20.29% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $19,340,Gresham spans $65,353. Gresham 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, Gresham ($120,699 effective) pays 9.59% more than Eugene ($110,139 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Gresham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,837/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,027)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,699)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Eugene grew 32.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in Gresham over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$80,450 (2020) → $106,600 (2025)
Gresham, OR
$89,503 (2020) → $118,007 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Gresham, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Eugene or Gresham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Gresham?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Gresham as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Eugene vs Gresham?
Related Comparisons
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