Eugene vs Forest Grove: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Eugene, OR and Forest Grove, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Forest Grove, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,866 | $118,161▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.78 | $56.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,859▲ | $89,824 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,415▲ | $98,974 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,642 | $127,544▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,199 | $144,549▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Forest Grove, OR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Eugene.
The salary gap between Eugene and Forest Grove is $6,295 (5.63%). Forest Grove's median is +14.78% 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,Forest Grove spans $54,725. Forest Grove 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, Forest Grove ($115,167 effective) pays 4.56% 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 Forest Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,161/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,549)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,167)
- ✓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 Forest Grove over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$80,450 (2020) → $106,600 (2025)
Forest Grove, OR
$85,402 (2020) → $112,599 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Forest Grove, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Eugene or Forest Grove?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Forest Grove?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Forest Grove as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Eugene vs Forest Grove?
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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