Dental hygienist salary
BLS occupation: Dental Hygienists · Healthcare practitioners · data for May 2025
Median salary $98,100 a year, US
Median hourly pay $47.16 an hour
Middle half earn $83,570–$108,480 25th to 75th percentile
Dental hygienists employed 222,740 +8.0% projected by 2035
How much does a dental hygienist make?
- The median dental hygienist salary in the US is $98,100 a year ($47.16 an hour): half of the 222,740 dental hygienists BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $98,990.
- The middle half earn between $83,570 and $108,480. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $74,880 and the top 10% more than $126,050.
- That is 92% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays dental hygienists the most (median $137,220), followed by Alaska ($132,690) and Washington ($131,160). Alabama pays the least ($61,160).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Alaska, where the median is worth $129,632 in typical US prices, then the District of Columbia and Washington. The District of Columbia's higher pay is offset by its prices (109.9 vs a US average of 100).
- In 359 of the 373 metro areas with data, the median dental hygienist salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of dental hygienists to grow 8.0% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 15,000 openings a year. The typical entry education is an associate's degree.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what dental hygienists are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Dental hygienist salary range
Half of dental hygienists earn between $83,570 and $108,480 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $74,880
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $83,570
Median Yearly pay: $98,100
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $108,480
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $126,050
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $74,880 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $83,570 |
| Median | $98,100 |
| Top 25% earn over | $108,480 |
| Top 10% earn over | $126,050 |
Dental hygienist salary by state
The District of Columbia pays dental hygienists the most; Alabama the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($98,100), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $137,220 median |
| Alaska | $132,690 median |
| Washington | $131,160 median |
| California | $124,930 median |
| Oregon | $122,080 median |
| Nevada | $115,290 median |
| Colorado | $109,580 median |
| Maryland | $107,830 median |
| New Jersey | $107,040 median |
| New York | $106,130 median |
| Minnesota | $103,970 median |
| Virginia | $102,950 median |
| New Hampshire | $101,250 median |
| Arizona | $101,010 median |
| Connecticut | $100,690 median |
| Massachusetts | $100,640 median |
| Texas | $99,240 median |
| Delaware | $98,910 median |
| Montana | $98,440 median |
| North Carolina | $97,850 median |
| Maine | $97,680 median |
| Oklahoma | $97,580 median |
| Hawaii | $97,570 median |
| Vermont | $97,470 median |
| Illinois | $96,670 median |
| Wisconsin | $96,540 median |
| New Mexico | $95,940 median |
| Georgia | $95,490 median |
| Idaho | $94,650 median |
| Missouri | $92,750 median |
| Nebraska | $92,580 median |
| Indiana | $92,330 median |
| South Dakota | $92,210 median |
| Florida | $91,980 median |
| Utah | $91,120 median |
| North Dakota | $90,530 median |
| Ohio | $88,990 median |
| Rhode Island | $86,910 median |
| Arkansas | $86,760 median |
| Louisiana | $85,240 median |
| Wyoming | $85,130 median |
| Tennessee | $84,640 median |
| South Carolina | $84,340 median |
| Iowa | $84,010 median |
| Michigan | $83,790 median |
| Pennsylvania | $80,610 median |
| Kentucky | $78,830 median |
| West Virginia | $73,840 median |
| Mississippi | $67,280 median |
| Alabama | $61,160 median |
Where dental hygienist pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Dental hygienists' pay goes furthest in Alaska once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $129,632 |
| District of Columbia | $124,858 |
| Washington | $122,565 |
| Oregon | $118,110 |
| Nevada | $115,314 |
| California | $112,834 |
| Oklahoma | $111,085 |
| Colorado | $106,335 |
| Minnesota | $105,424 |
| South Dakota | $104,091 |
Dental hygienist pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $137,220 | $65.97 | $86,120 | $155,840 | 320 | $124,858 |
| Alaska | $132,690 | $63.79 | $60,590 | $138,840 | 790 | $129,632 |
| Washington | $131,160 | $63.06 | $107,090 | $162,050 | 6,330 | $122,565 |
| California | $124,930 | $60.06 | $102,090 | $151,920 | 24,500 | $112,834 |
| Oregon | $122,080 | $58.69 | $104,530 | $134,120 | 3,600 | $118,110 |
| Nevada | $115,290 | $55.43 | $99,800 | $129,460 | 1,510 | $115,314 |
| Colorado | $109,580 | $52.68 | $95,680 | $128,900 | 4,270 | $106,335 |
| Maryland | $107,830 | $51.84 | $85,440 | $122,740 | 3,500 | $102,735 |
| New Jersey | $107,040 | $51.46 | $94,260 | $117,730 | 7,230 | $98,378 |
| New York | $106,130 | $51.02 | $77,680 | $126,640 | 13,660 | $98,340 |
| Minnesota | $103,970 | $49.99 | $82,110 | $120,270 | 4,110 | $105,424 |
| Virginia | $102,950 | $49.50 | $86,730 | $125,560 | 3,770 | $101,826 |
| New Hampshire | $101,250 | $48.68 | $86,400 | $122,980 | 1,360 | $97,202 |
| Arizona | $101,010 | $48.56 | $91,480 | $121,910 | 4,530 | $100,331 |
| Connecticut | $100,690 | $48.41 | $87,190 | $106,020 | 3,240 | $97,182 |
| Massachusetts | $100,640 | $48.38 | $93,510 | $117,380 | 6,850 | $95,162 |
| Texas | $99,240 | $47.71 | $71,530 | $117,890 | 16,380 | $102,249 |
| Delaware | $98,910 | $47.55 | $93,580 | $112,940 | 750 | $99,100 |
| Montana | $98,440 | $47.33 | $83,060 | $104,780 | 860 | $104,010 |
| North Carolina | $97,850 | $47.04 | $77,270 | $103,850 | 6,690 | $103,736 |
| Maine | $97,680 | $46.96 | $83,420 | $108,680 | 1,060 | $100,649 |
| Oklahoma | $97,580 | $46.91 | $81,290 | $119,760 | 2,860 | $111,085 |
| Hawaii | $97,570 | $46.91 | $78,800 | $104,000 | 830 | $88,740 |
| Vermont | $97,470 | $46.86 | $81,010 | $110,010 | 560 | $99,502 |
| Illinois | $96,670 | $46.48 | $74,280 | $118,410 | 8,970 | $96,711 |
| Wisconsin | $96,540 | $46.41 | $80,370 | $110,240 | 5,080 | $102,598 |
| New Mexico | $95,940 | $46.13 | $82,180 | $105,440 | 1,420 | $104,043 |
| Georgia | $95,490 | $45.91 | $74,610 | $103,650 | 7,440 | $99,166 |
| Idaho | $94,650 | $45.50 | $85,610 | $103,340 | 2,060 | $99,116 |
| Missouri | $92,750 | $44.59 | $59,880 | $99,400 | 3,810 | $102,128 |
| Nebraska | $92,580 | $44.51 | $67,600 | $98,080 | 1,280 | $102,749 |
| Indiana | $92,330 | $44.39 | $74,970 | $102,280 | 5,020 | $98,930 |
| South Dakota | $92,210 | $44.33 | $73,480 | $98,290 | 630 | $104,091 |
| Florida | $91,980 | $44.22 | $75,960 | $99,040 | 11,980 | $88,943 |
| Utah | $91,120 | $43.81 | $78,830 | $99,570 | 3,780 | $92,167 |
| North Dakota | $90,530 | $43.52 | $82,890 | $98,530 | 660 | $101,766 |
| Ohio | $88,990 | $42.78 | $76,260 | $102,950 | 8,630 | $95,921 |
| Rhode Island | $86,910 | $41.78 | $83,800 | $100,520 | 770 | $84,973 |
| Arkansas | $86,760 | $41.71 | $62,170 | $97,730 | 1,740 | $99,796 |
| Louisiana | $85,240 | $40.98 | $49,900 | $98,330 | 2,690 | $96,636 |
| Wyoming | $85,130 | $40.93 | $61,020 | $99,350 | 500 | $91,843 |
| Tennessee | $84,640 | $40.69 | $76,190 | $98,300 | 4,570 | $92,130 |
| South Carolina | $84,340 | $40.55 | $65,700 | $97,220 | 3,160 | $89,964 |
| Iowa | $84,010 | $40.39 | $78,320 | $95,810 | 2,440 | $95,725 |
| Michigan | $83,790 | $40.28 | $77,230 | $96,970 | 8,640 | $87,084 |
| Pennsylvania | $80,610 | $38.75 | $63,130 | $103,540 | 7,970 | $82,616 |
| Kentucky | $78,830 | $37.90 | $61,280 | $98,770 | 2,070 | $87,434 |
| West Virginia | $73,840 | $35.50 | $59,950 | $83,430 | 1,250 | $82,506 |
| Mississippi | $67,280 | $32.35 | $58,810 | $83,320 | 1,140 | $77,375 |
| Alabama | $61,160 | $29.40 | $48,960 | $72,410 | 3,170 | $68,856 |
BLS does not publish pay for dental hygienists in 1 state (too few workers to estimate reliably). After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Dental hygienist salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes dental hygienist pay: 377 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Francisco, CA $146,760
- San Jose, CA $139,990
- Santa Rosa, CA $136,210
- Santa Maria, CA $135,990
- Seattle, WA $133,740
- Anchorage, AK $132,740
- Fairbanks, AK $131,860
- Napa, CA $131,370
- Bremerton, WA $131,040
- Santa Cruz, CA $130,600
Where the pay goes furthest
- Fairbanks, AK $127,761
- San Francisco, CA $126,941
- San Jose, CA $126,776
- Santa Rosa, CA $126,373
- Yakima, WA $126,317
- Longview, WA $126,116
- Anchorage, AK $125,915
- Santa Maria, CA $124,993
- Mount Vernon, WA $124,430
- Bremerton, WA $124,083
All 377 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,760 | 3,780 | $126,941 | 28% |
| San Jose, CA | $139,990 | 1,620 | $126,776 | 33% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $136,210 | 310 | $126,373 | 23% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $135,990 | 260 | $124,993 | 29% |
| Seattle, WA | $133,740 | 3,500 | $120,342 | 20% |
| Anchorage, AK | $132,740 | 490 | $125,915 | 17% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $131,860 | 70 | $127,761 | 17% |
| Napa, CA | $131,370 | 100 | $116,717 | 27% |
| Bremerton, WA | $131,040 | 190 | $124,083 | 19% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $130,600 | 220 | $118,840 | 32% |
| Boulder, CO | $130,000 | 300 | $123,572 | 20% |
| Vallejo, CA | $128,570 | 270 | $118,521 | 23% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $127,470 | 130 | $124,430 | 21% |
| Oxnard, CA | $126,530 | 500 | $114,472 | 28% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $125,670 | 220 | $115,722 | 27% |
| Stockton, CA | $125,130 | 480 | $119,071 | 23% |
| Bellingham, WA | $124,850 | 150 | $120,822 | 19% |
| Yuba City, CA | $124,780 | 60 | $119,713 | 20% |
| Modesto, CA | $123,910 | 390 | $119,021 | 20% |
| San Diego, CA | $123,790 | 1,940 | $110,638 | 29% |
| Portland, OR | $123,100 | 2,380 | $116,770 | 18% |
| Longview, WA | $123,020 | 100 | $126,116 | 14% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $122,980 | 7,940 | $108,289 | 29% |
| Olympia, WA | $122,950 | 220 | $118,597 | 20% |
| Sacramento, CA | $122,540 | 2,200 | $114,878 | 22% |
| Kennewick, WA | $122,480 | 270 | $122,383 | 17% |
| Salinas, CA | $122,370 | 240 | $112,223 | 27% |
| Carson City, NV | $121,500 | 60 | $123,815 | 20% |
| Yakima, WA | $120,690 | 160 | $126,317 | 14% |
| Bend, OR | $119,650 | 230 | $115,484 | 22% |
| Washington, DC | $119,170 | 2,200 | $109,447 | 24% |
| Salem, OR | $119,050 | 300 | $114,859 | 17% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $118,820 | 110 | $114,410 | 18% |
| Chico, CA | $118,800 | 150 | $117,395 | 16% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $118,410 | 500 | $117,579 | 18% |
| Redding, CA | $118,130 | 130 | $117,327 | 17% |
| Reno, NV | $117,850 | 390 | $116,667 | 21% |
| Merced, CA | $117,400 | 100 | $119,461 | 21% |
| Spokane, WA | $116,690 | 500 | $116,288 | 16% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $116,210 | 60 | $118,873 | 16% |
| Baltimore, MD | $116,130 | 1,900 | $111,143 | 20% |
| El Centro, CA | $115,870 | 40 | $121,745 | 19% |
| Corvallis, OR | $114,450 | 70 | $110,030 | 19% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $114,380 | 340 | $113,375 | 19% |
| Denver, CO | $113,760 | 2,100 | $107,542 | 20% |
| Hanford, CA | $113,160 | 80 | $111,365 | 21% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $112,630 | 2,590 | $107,449 | 18% |
| Albany, OR | $111,380 | 80 | $109,089 | 18% |
| Medford, OR | $110,200 | 210 | $108,643 | 20% |
| Greeley, CO | $110,080 | 140 | $109,887 | 18% |
| New York, NY | $109,720 | 14,230 | $97,474 | 39% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $109,210 | 950 | $108,976 | 19% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $107,690 | 120 | $108,618 | 23% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $106,680 | 50 | $108,284 | 17% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $106,650 | 450 | $105,460 | 22% |
| Eugene, OR | $106,600 | 340 | $104,954 | 20% |
| Riverside, CA | $105,730 | 1,860 | $99,331 | 29% |
| Austin, TX | $105,480 | 1,270 | $107,560 | 18% |
| Houston, TX | $104,930 | 3,060 | $106,389 | 19% |
| Bozeman, MT | $104,650 | 110 | $102,088 | 25% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $104,460 | 130 | $103,672 | 23% |
| Richmond, VA | $104,250 | 780 | $106,532 | 20% |
| Kahului, HI | $104,080 | 100 | $95,143 | 37% |
| Rochester, MN | $103,440 | 180 | $113,894 | 18% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $103,390 | 850 | $96,749 | 33% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $102,940 | 1,700 | $107,938 | 18% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $102,790 | 250 | $109,237 | 18% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $102,520 | 3,240 | $99,230 | 20% |
| Boston, MA | $101,990 | 5,150 | $94,203 | 35% |
| Dallas, TX | $101,870 | 7,050 | $98,817 | 20% |
| Barnstable, MA | $101,820 | 190 | $103,527 | 30% |
| Fresno, CA | $101,730 | 530 | $99,581 | 24% |
| Waterbury, CT | $101,670 | 380 | $101,896 | – |
| Durham, NC | $101,460 | 350 | $103,985 | 19% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $101,220 | 90 | $100,892 | 25% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $101,180 | 230 | $102,350 | 24% |
| Asheville, NC | $101,170 | 300 | $104,833 | 20% |
| Trenton, NJ | $100,920 | 330 | $97,810 | 30% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $100,820 | 4,180 | $98,309 | 23% |
| Winchester, VA | $100,640 | 100 | $104,344 | 22% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $100,620 | 100 | $106,036 | 20% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $100,600 | 450 | $91,938 | 27% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $100,480 | 220 | $114,661 | 15% |
| Worcester, MA | $100,460 | 790 | $97,988 | 25% |
| Atlanta, GA | $100,370 | 4,710 | $100,312 | 22% |
| Staunton, VA | $100,350 | 60 | $110,120 | 17% |
| Tulsa, OK | $100,350 | 820 | $112,482 | 16% |
| Madison, WI | $100,340 | 680 | $103,138 | 21% |
| Manchester, NH | $100,330 | 430 | $94,958 | 26% |
| Chicago, IL | $100,260 | 6,470 | $96,781 | 26% |
| Mankato, MN | $100,260 | 80 | $110,230 | 15% |
| Naples, FL | $100,140 | 190 | $97,035 | 31% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $99,650 | 180 | $101,381 | 22% |
| Billings, MT | $99,410 | 160 | $106,291 | 17% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $99,260 | 120 | $100,499 | 24% |
| Vineland, NJ | $99,160 | 90 | $103,326 | 20% |
| Hartford, CT | $98,950 | 1,170 | $96,305 | 24% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $98,940 | 110 | $105,240 | 16% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $98,910 | 170 | $103,597 | 21% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $98,890 | 940 | $100,969 | 23% |
| Kingston, NY | $98,880 | 90 | $98,184 | 24% |
| Portland, ME | $98,880 | 500 | $97,076 | 28% |
| Raleigh, NC | $98,800 | 1,220 | $100,655 | 20% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $98,780 | 1,360 | $101,901 | 19% |
| Pueblo, CO | $98,700 | 140 | $107,561 | 16% |
| Norwich, CT | $98,630 | 230 | $98,193 | 26% |
| Duluth, MN | $98,600 | 220 | $111,076 | 16% |
| Roanoke, VA | $98,550 | 170 | $105,268 | 17% |
| San Antonio, TX | $98,480 | 920 | $103,974 | 17% |
| Lewiston, ID | $98,450 | 60 | $107,997 | 18% |
| Charlotte, NC | $98,390 | 1,910 | $101,070 | 21% |
| Burlington, VT | $98,330 | 250 | $97,406 | 32% |
| Visalia, CA | $98,240 | 200 | $98,412 | 21% |
| Helena, MT | $98,200 | 80 | $102,639 | 20% |
| New Haven, CT | $98,170 | 470 | $93,890 | 25% |
| Missoula, MT | $98,050 | 130 | $101,664 | 20% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $98,050 | 190 | $99,791 | 23% |
| Albany, NY | $98,030 | 730 | $98,457 | 21% |
| Sherman, TX | $98,030 | 130 | $104,542 | 17% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $97,980 | 100 | $103,022 | 22% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $97,940 | 130 | $97,703 | – |
| St. Louis, MO | $97,650 | 2,150 | $102,694 | 18% |
| Springfield, MA | $97,620 | 380 | $101,623 | 24% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $97,470 | 1,780 | $101,854 | 19% |
| Beaumont, TX | $97,350 | 150 | $108,111 | 16% |
| Salisbury, MD | $97,310 | 50 | $101,771 | 24% |
| Burlington, NC | $97,210 | 100 | $104,307 | 17% |
| Killeen, TX | $97,140 | 190 | $106,593 | 16% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $97,110 | 1,420 | $107,413 | 17% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $96,990 | 120 | $108,535 | 16% |
| Columbus, OH | $96,880 | 1,700 | $101,478 | 19% |
| Yuma, AZ | $96,850 | 60 | $104,470 | 18% |
| Tucson, AZ | $96,740 | 490 | $99,839 | 18% |
| Dover, DE | $96,730 | 130 | $99,203 | 22% |
| Wilmington, NC | $96,700 | 440 | $100,288 | 22% |
| Ithaca, NY | $96,620 | 60 | $93,518 | 25% |
| Kenosha, WI | $96,620 | 100 | $95,552 | – |
| Honolulu, HI | $96,440 | 600 | $86,913 | 38% |
| Appleton, WI | $96,350 | 240 | $104,253 | 15% |
| College Station, TX | $96,260 | 120 | $105,837 | 19% |
| Janesville, WI | $96,200 | 120 | $102,665 | 16% |
| La Crosse, WI | $95,950 | 150 | $104,556 | 17% |
| North Port, FL | $95,930 | 610 | $93,666 | 26% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $95,930 | 500 | $104,223 | 19% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $95,900 | 810 | $100,371 | 19% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $95,900 | 70 | $108,563 | 23% |
| Tampa, FL | $95,870 | 1,670 | $95,024 | 25% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $95,700 | 210 | $101,364 | 18% |
| Utica, NY | $95,480 | 160 | $103,023 | 18% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $95,400 | 390 | $95,395 | 24% |
| Waco, TX | $95,340 | 150 | $103,015 | 18% |
| Racine, WI | $95,310 | 160 | $99,322 | 18% |
| Lincoln, NE | $95,100 | 280 | $103,843 | 16% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $94,960 | 1,110 | $95,453 | 21% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $94,740 | 70 | $94,245 | 23% |
| Tyler, TX | $94,710 | 210 | $102,771 | 17% |
| Boise, ID | $94,650 | 1,020 | $96,198 | 24% |
| Charleston, SC | $94,570 | 540 | $93,669 | 26% |
| Sebastian, FL | $94,490 | 140 | $96,116 | 27% |
| Great Falls, MT | $94,460 | 90 | $97,537 | 18% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $94,330 | 1,390 | $93,518 | 21% |
| Kokomo, IN | $94,230 | 80 | $105,111 | 14% |
| Omaha, NE | $94,170 | 580 | $102,458 | 18% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $94,060 | 440 | $93,846 | 29% |
| Hickory, NC | $94,050 | 170 | $106,288 | 20% |
| Nashville, TN | $94,030 | 1,490 | $97,604 | 23% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $93,850 | 130 | $100,991 | 16% |
| Greenville, NC | $93,790 | 110 | $106,095 | 19% |
| Des Moines, IA | $93,660 | 750 | $102,136 | 16% |
| New Orleans, LA | $93,650 | 840 | $101,137 | 20% |
| Rochester, NY | $93,650 | 940 | $96,512 | 20% |
| Syracuse, NY | $93,640 | 580 | $97,805 | 21% |
| Abilene, TX | $93,600 | 70 | $103,581 | 26% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $93,330 | 220 | $101,470 | 19% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $93,150 | 90 | $101,644 | 15% |
| Lakeland, FL | $93,080 | 290 | $95,819 | 23% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $93,070 | 110 | $101,044 | 20% |
| Pocatello, ID | $93,060 | 110 | $104,672 | 14% |
| The Villages, FL | $92,900 | 80 | $108,752 | 22% |
| Gainesville, GA | $92,840 | 160 | $95,943 | 22% |
| Kansas City, MO | $92,750 | 1,800 | $100,224 | 20% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $92,700 | 410 | $102,115 | 18% |
| Orlando, FL | $92,560 | 1,490 | $91,266 | 25% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $92,350 | 250 | $101,897 | 16% |
| Lawton, OK | $92,210 | 70 | $107,295 | 15% |
| Elkhart, IN | $92,050 | 160 | $101,910 | 15% |
| Iowa City, IA | $92,020 | 120 | $100,558 | 23% |
| Provo, UT | $92,000 | 930 | $93,656 | 23% |
| Green Bay, WI | $91,920 | 340 | $98,747 | 15% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $91,900 | 360 | $91,098 | 25% |
| Rapid City, SD | $91,890 | 120 | $103,062 | 19% |
| Lafayette, IN | $91,750 | 150 | $98,202 | 19% |
| Bismarck, ND | $91,600 | 130 | $100,633 | 17% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $91,420 | 40 | $102,439 | 17% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $91,340 | 40 | $102,041 | 17% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $91,120 | 350 | $89,029 | 24% |
| Muncie, IN | $91,060 | 70 | $103,304 | 14% |
| Lansing, MI | $90,710 | 450 | $95,493 | 17% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $90,660 | 160 | $92,494 | 26% |
| Casper, WY | $90,620 | 70 | $96,580 | 19% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $90,550 | 70 | $97,670 | 22% |
| Farmington, NM | $90,420 | 120 | $103,093 | 19% |
| Minot, ND | $89,800 | 60 | $103,185 | 17% |
| Providence, RI | $89,310 | 1,250 | $87,754 | 29% |
| Little Rock, AR | $89,160 | 490 | $99,772 | 17% |
| Ames, IA | $89,130 | 80 | $100,338 | 16% |
| Cleveland, OH | $88,990 | 1,790 | $94,748 | 19% |
| Bangor, ME | $88,450 | 130 | $91,650 | 21% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $88,390 | 50 | $100,429 | 17% |
| Topeka, KS | $88,220 | 240 | $99,324 | 17% |
| Crestview, FL | $88,030 | 170 | $90,724 | 27% |
| Wausau, WI | $87,470 | 150 | $94,408 | 13% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $87,370 | 80 | $101,144 | 14% |
| Panama City, FL | $87,360 | 100 | $89,788 | 24% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $87,210 | 410 | $95,465 | 22% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $86,830 | 180 | $93,571 | 16% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $86,650 | 80 | $100,901 | 17% |
| Hinesville, GA | $86,340 | 30 | $91,917 | 24% |
| Lubbock, TX | $86,340 | 170 | $94,550 | 18% |
| Columbia, MO | $86,300 | 140 | $96,491 | 20% |
| Bloomington, IN | $86,280 | 130 | $90,741 | 24% |
| Sandusky, OH | $86,130 | 70 | $96,471 | 25% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $86,120 | 460 | $93,030 | 18% |
| Rockford, IL | $86,120 | 370 | $93,452 | 18% |
| Slidell, LA | $85,920 | 230 | $92,660 | – |
| Springfield, MO | $85,840 | 360 | $96,901 | 17% |
| Victoria, TX | $85,680 | 40 | $95,371 | 16% |
| Grand Island, NE | $85,660 | 60 | $98,849 | 19% |
| Ogden, UT | $85,330 | 740 | $85,033 | 23% |
| Greenville, SC | $85,290 | 600 | $91,454 | 22% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $85,290 | 80 | $96,948 | 14% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $85,220 | 110 | $88,319 | 22% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $85,220 | 90 | $89,832 | 20% |
| Amarillo, TX | $84,990 | 180 | $92,562 | 18% |
| Youngstown, OH | $84,870 | 280 | $97,112 | 15% |
| Columbus, IN | $84,810 | 70 | $91,191 | 20% |
| Gainesville, FL | $84,750 | 240 | $87,612 | 23% |
| El Paso, TX | $84,660 | 320 | $94,159 | 22% |
| Knoxville, TN | $84,640 | 590 | $91,434 | 24% |
| Mansfield, OH | $84,640 | 90 | $95,238 | 13% |
| Dayton, OH | $84,500 | 620 | $91,160 | 19% |
| Detroit, MI | $84,480 | 3,780 | $84,229 | 22% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $84,480 | 150 | $98,361 | 15% |
| Fargo, ND | $84,390 | 240 | $92,868 | 16% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $84,290 | 1,160 | $88,219 | 23% |
| Greensboro, NC | $84,250 | 390 | $90,723 | 20% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $84,210 | 150 | $90,870 | 20% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $84,100 | 390 | $85,251 | 21% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $84,080 | 120 | $97,936 | 19% |
| Sioux City, IA | $83,920 | 120 | $97,069 | 19% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $83,780 | 170 | $92,014 | 21% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $83,690 | 80 | $97,226 | 15% |
| San Angelo, TX | $83,470 | 50 | $90,284 | 19% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $83,460 | 460 | $91,249 | 22% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $83,460 | 170 | $88,626 | 23% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $83,350 | 70 | $94,221 | 22% |
| Joplin, MO | $83,270 | 120 | $97,144 | 18% |
| Ocala, FL | $83,260 | 150 | $87,427 | 23% |
| Rome, GA | $83,200 | 70 | $92,279 | 18% |
| Canton, OH | $83,180 | 270 | $93,036 | 16% |
| Springfield, IL | $83,070 | 280 | $89,568 | 17% |
| Akron, OH | $82,970 | 460 | $88,862 | 19% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $82,970 | 70 | $96,781 | 18% |
| McAllen, TX | $82,940 | 210 | $96,560 | 16% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $82,920 | 40 | $86,937 | 20% |
| St. George, UT | $82,890 | 200 | $85,172 | 27% |
| Kingsport, TN | $82,870 | 210 | $95,862 | 19% |
| Brownsville, TX | $82,860 | 120 | $96,377 | 22% |
| Evansville, IN | $82,800 | 200 | $90,464 | 16% |
| Texarkana, TX | $82,800 | 70 | $98,557 | 18% |
| Miami, FL | $82,780 | 3,460 | $72,515 | 38% |
| Shreveport, LA | $82,760 | 260 | $97,633 | 19% |
| Jackson, TN | $82,750 | 110 | $96,759 | 20% |
| South Bend, IN | $82,650 | 280 | $89,007 | 18% |
| Waterloo, IA | $82,500 | 130 | $94,765 | 15% |
| Buffalo, NY | $82,470 | 760 | $86,046 | 21% |
| Laredo, TX | $82,440 | 90 | $94,807 | 16% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $82,380 | 120 | $89,461 | 23% |
| Columbia, SC | $82,370 | 620 | $87,944 | 23% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $82,270 | 200 | $92,477 | 18% |
| Midland, MI | $82,160 | 110 | $89,381 | 20% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $82,120 | 120 | $91,030 | 22% |
| Allentown, PA | $82,060 | 530 | $82,086 | 27% |
| Dalton, GA | $82,010 | 100 | $91,280 | 21% |
| Davenport, IA | $82,000 | 280 | $92,053 | 15% |
| Longview, TX | $81,920 | 110 | $91,546 | 17% |
| Lafayette, LA | $81,900 | 200 | $93,912 | 20% |
| Hammond, LA | $81,840 | 70 | $96,898 | 19% |
| Athens, GA | $81,830 | 130 | $87,666 | 26% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $81,810 | 50 | $87,528 | 26% |
| Houma, LA | $81,800 | 120 | $96,119 | 19% |
| Pensacola, FL | $81,780 | 250 | $83,691 | 25% |
| Binghamton, NY | $81,640 | 190 | $87,914 | 24% |
| Traverse City, MI | $81,570 | 190 | $87,360 | 27% |
| Logan, UT | $81,540 | 150 | $85,002 | 21% |
| Flint, MI | $81,500 | 440 | $87,602 | 15% |
| Brunswick, GA | $81,470 | 90 | $92,888 | 25% |
| Dubuque, IA | $81,410 | 110 | $93,223 | 16% |
| Louisville, KY | $81,390 | 780 | $87,447 | 20% |
| Clarksville, TN | $81,260 | 200 | $89,349 | 20% |
| Florence, SC | $81,200 | 110 | $93,576 | 22% |
| Watertown, NY | $81,170 | 70 | $92,565 | 22% |
| Sumter, SC | $81,150 | 60 | $92,195 | 22% |
| Champaign, IL | $81,110 | 170 | $87,494 | 20% |
| Morristown, TN | $81,040 | 70 | $93,835 | 23% |
| Williamsport, PA | $80,990 | 40 | $87,699 | 16% |
| Decatur, IL | $80,930 | 60 | $91,527 | 16% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $80,900 | 210 | $86,393 | 26% |
| Lancaster, PA | $80,810 | 370 | $82,244 | 23% |
| Michigan City, IN | $80,640 | 60 | $87,956 | 18% |
| Springfield, OH | $80,600 | 80 | $89,078 | 18% |
| Sebring, FL | $80,590 | 40 | $87,153 | 23% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $80,450 | 80 | $85,005 | 20% |
| York, PA | $80,380 | 300 | $83,729 | 21% |
| Alexandria, LA | $80,330 | 80 | $93,749 | 15% |
| Reading, PA | $80,300 | 220 | $82,732 | 23% |
| Lebanon, PA | $80,270 | 60 | $86,114 | 22% |
| Columbus, GA | $80,240 | 240 | $89,858 | 20% |
| Lexington, KY | $80,110 | 410 | $86,243 | 24% |
| Johnson City, TN | $80,070 | 140 | $91,063 | 22% |
| Niles, MI | $80,020 | 100 | $86,630 | 21% |
| Bay City, MI | $79,920 | 90 | $86,944 | 15% |
| Cleveland, TN | $79,880 | 90 | $90,690 | 21% |
| Augusta, GA | $79,840 | 370 | $86,874 | 22% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $79,700 | 80 | $88,026 | 17% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $79,670 | 250 | $84,005 | 19% |
| Muskegon, MI | $79,660 | 90 | $86,101 | 19% |
| Paducah, KY | $79,610 | 90 | $92,479 | 17% |
| Monroe, LA | $79,530 | 160 | $95,135 | 18% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $79,520 | 160 | $84,669 | 22% |
| Saginaw, MI | $79,400 | 160 | $87,357 | 16% |
| Valdosta, GA | $79,360 | 100 | $89,905 | 20% |
| Macon, GA | $79,260 | 120 | $89,531 | 18% |
| Albany, GA | $79,230 | 90 | $90,374 | 16% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $79,210 | 90 | $90,219 | 15% |
| Deltona, FL | $79,050 | 230 | $79,554 | 27% |
| Jackson, MI | $78,990 | 110 | $86,065 | 18% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $78,770 | 130 | $83,986 | 23% |
| Monroe, MI | $78,660 | 60 | $84,136 | 19% |
| Memphis, TN | $78,580 | 650 | $85,247 | 21% |
| Lima, OH | $78,530 | 70 | $87,578 | 18% |
| State College, PA | $78,530 | 130 | $81,158 | 30% |
| Kankakee, IL | $78,430 | 50 | $81,364 | 20% |
| Bloomington, IL | $78,220 | 130 | $83,625 | 20% |
| Peoria, IL | $77,870 | 270 | $85,355 | 18% |
| Erie, PA | $77,360 | 140 | $85,058 | 17% |
| Toledo, OH | $76,580 | 580 | $83,735 | 20% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $75,960 | 1,580 | $80,236 | 23% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $75,690 | 120 | $83,933 | 19% |
| Owensboro, KY | $75,490 | 80 | $85,194 | 20% |
| Weirton, WV | $75,240 | 50 | $84,517 | 13% |
| Altoona, PA | $75,070 | 90 | $83,871 | 16% |
| Johnstown, PA | $74,450 | 60 | $86,641 | 14% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $74,190 | 70 | $85,211 | 17% |
| Morgantown, WV | $73,840 | 120 | $79,123 | 22% |
| Gulfport, MS | $73,500 | 160 | $81,661 | 23% |
| Huntington, WV | $73,470 | 180 | $83,090 | 18% |
| Elmira, NY | $73,210 | 40 | $77,555 | 19% |
| Wheeling, WV | $72,540 | 110 | $82,130 | 14% |
| Scranton, PA | $70,730 | 400 | $75,602 | 23% |
| Jackson, MS | $67,270 | 320 | $75,544 | 26% |
| Charleston, WV | $65,520 | 260 | $73,853 | 22% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $65,360 | 90 | $74,584 | 24% |
| Beckley, WV | $64,730 | 100 | $73,250 | 19% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $64,620 | 70 | $71,347 | 24% |
| Huntsville, AL | $62,370 | 360 | $67,013 | 27% |
| Birmingham, AL | $61,730 | 1,150 | $67,358 | 27% |
| Decatur, AL | $61,340 | 80 | $70,334 | 21% |
| Daphne, AL | $61,000 | 160 | $64,421 | 33% |
| Mobile, AL | $60,710 | 200 | $68,912 | 25% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $60,500 | 130 | $68,968 | 33% |
| Auburn, AL | $60,490 | 90 | $68,791 | 32% |
| Montgomery, AL | $60,120 | 190 | $67,037 | 28% |
| Florence, AL | $58,660 | 80 | $69,161 | 22% |
| Dothan, AL | $58,310 | 100 | $69,555 | 25% |
| Anniston, AL | $56,950 | 70 | $66,260 | 20% |
| Gadsden, AL | $55,840 | 60 | $65,193 | 23% |
What the median dental hygienist salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $98,100 |
| Month | $8,175 |
| Every two weeks | $3,773 |
| Week | $1,887 |
| Hour | $47.16 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a dental hygienist: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +8.0% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 15,000 |
| Self-employed | 1.3% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound tech | $96,590 | Associate's degree |
| Vet tech | $47,380 | Associate's degree |
| Speech-language pathologist | $97,870 | Master's degree |
| Physician assistant | $135,880 | Master's degree |
| Nurse practitioner | $132,300 | Master's degree |
| Medical lab tech | $62,930 | Bachelor's degree |
| MRI tech | $95,480 | Associate's degree |
| CRNA | $236,590 | Master's degree |
Questions about dental hygienist pay
How much does a dental hygienist make an hour?
The median is $47.16 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $36.00 and the top 10% over $60.60.
How much does a dental hygienist make a month?
About $8,175 a month before taxes at the median salary of $98,100, or $3,773 every two weeks.
What state pays dental hygienists the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $137,220. Alaska ($132,690), Washington ($131,160), California ($124,930) and Oregon ($122,080) follow.
Where do dental hygienists make the most after cost of living?
Alaska: its median of $132,690 is worth $129,632 at typical US prices. The District of Columbia, Washington and Oregon come next.
How much do entry-level dental hygienists make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of dental hygienists earn under $74,880 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $83,570, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a dental hygienist?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as an associate's degree. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 29-1292 (Dental Hygienists). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.