Eugene vs Lake Oswego: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Eugene, OR and Lake Oswego, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Lake Oswego, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,866 | $118,472▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.78 | $56.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,859▲ | $90,577 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,415▲ | $99,615 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,642 | $128,249▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,199 | $145,536▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Lake Oswego, OR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Eugene.
The salary gap between Eugene and Lake Oswego is $6,606 (5.91%). Lake Oswego's median is +15.08% 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,Lake Oswego spans $54,959. Lake Oswego 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, Lake Oswego ($115,470 effective) pays 4.84% 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 Lake Oswego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,472/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,536)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,470)
- ✓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 Lake Oswego over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$80,450 (2020) → $106,600 (2025)
Lake Oswego, OR
$85,626 (2020) → $112,895 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Lake Oswego, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Eugene or Lake Oswego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Lake Oswego?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Lake Oswego as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Eugene vs Lake Oswego?
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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