Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Portland, OR vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$63,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Portland, OR
$48,462 vs $47,531
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$40,860 vs $43,919
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $63,000 | $77,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,510 | $59,290▲ | -$10,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,640 | $98,560▲ | -$17,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $100,800 | $123,200▲ | -$22,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 162 | -32 |
| State Income Tax | 8.75% | 0%▲ | +8.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $48,462▲ | $47,531 | +$931 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $53,118 | $71,148▲ | -$18,030 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $40,860 | $43,919▲ | -$3,059 |
| Total Employment | 50,000 | 145,000 | -95,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Portland, OR minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $14,000 more (median: $63,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 130 vs 162), Portland, OR provides better purchasing power ($48,462 vs $47,531 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.