Eugene vs Pendleton: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Eugene, OR and Pendleton, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Pendleton, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,866 | $116,264▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.78 | $55.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,859▲ | $94,132 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,415▲ | $101,149 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,642▲ | $125,715 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,199 | $136,937▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Pendleton, OR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Eugene.
The salary gap between Eugene and Pendleton is $4,398 (3.93%). Pendleton's median is +12.94% 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,Pendleton spans $42,805. Pendleton 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, Pendleton ($113,318 effective) pays 2.89% 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 Pendleton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,264/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,937)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,318)
- ✓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 Pendleton over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$80,450 (2020) → $106,600 (2025)
Pendleton, OR
$84,030 (2020) → $110,791 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Pendleton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Eugene or Pendleton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Pendleton?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Pendleton as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Eugene vs Pendleton?
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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