If a smile is how you charm someone, what charms dental hygienists themselves? Possibly a dental hygienist salary. Per the U.S. BLS latest report, the median dental hygienist salary in the USA is $87,530 per year or $42.08 per hour[1]. To put it in perspective, a dental hygienist’s average income is around 60% higher than the country’s national annual average income (viz. $59,384 in Q4 of 2023[2])
| Dental Hygienist Salary | Per Hour | Per Week | Per Month | Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower end salary | $37.21 | $1,405 | $5,438 | $76,801 |
| Average salary | $50.06 | $1,891 | $7,316 | $103,328 |
| Higher end salary | $67.35 | $2,544 | $9,843 | $139,018 |
*source: Indeed[3]
While the salary stats of dental hygienists above give us a bird’s view of their earning potential, multiple factors, such as location, education, and experience, contribute to its fluctuation. Because of that, it is tricky to list the exact figures for each locality or country-wide. Hence, in this guide, we collate and interpret the reported dental hygienist salaries from reliable sources to paint a full picture. In addition, we shall also delve into a dental hygienist’s non-cash remuneration, statewise yearly and hourly salaries, compare it with other dentistry salaries, and more. Plus, we highly recommend networking with fellow dental professionals to learn more about the latest dental hygienists’ salary trends.
But let’s kick off with the salary range of dental hygienists for those US states where they are most in demand.
Dental Hygienist Salaries in In-demand US States
Even in locations where dental hygienists are in high demand, their salaries vary significantly across states. Arkansas boasts the highest average salary at $97,676 per year, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $69,305. Despite a lower average, Alabama presents an interesting contrast, with the highest upper-end salary of $127,756.
| Lower End of Salary | Average Salary | Upper End of Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist Salary in Mississippi | $50,198 per year | $69,305 per year | $95,685 per year |
| Dental Hygienist Salary in Alabama | $45,804 per year | $76,497 per year | $127,756 per year |
| Dental Hygienist Salary in Utah | $70,448 per year | $92,955 per year | $122,654 per year |
| Dental Hygienist Salary in Arkansas | $68,896 per year | $97,676 per year | $138,476 per year |
| Dental Hygienist Salary in Idaho | $70,001 per year | $88,938 per year | $112,996 per year |
*source: Indeed[3] and Google Trends
Browse through the highest-paying dental hygienist jobs in our dentist community across the US now!
Dental Hygienist Salary and Benefits Breakdown
Like most salary structures, a dental hygienist’s salary is a mix of cash and non-cash components. Typically, healthcare and pension components make up the biggest slices of the total compensation.
| Annual Cash Compensation of Dental Hygienist | Median | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $83,911 | 78.87% |
| Bonus | $315 | 0.30% |
| Annual Value of Benefits for Dental Hygienist | Median | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $6,443 | 6.06% |
| 401K/403B | $3,032 | 2.85% |
| Disability | $758 | 0.70% |
| Healthcare | $6,592 | 6.20% |
| Pension | $5,306 | 4.99% |
| Time Off | $32 | 0.30% |
| Total Compensation | $116,723 | 100% |
*source: Salary[4]
However, not all employers offer the same benefits[5]: 35% of dental hygienists receive medical benefits, 23% have dental coverage, and 19% get vision benefits. A significant 63% have no health benefits at all.
Dental Hygienist Salary by State
Now, arriving right at the core stat of dental hygienist salary – the state-by-state average salaries in the US. The significant differences in both yearly and hourly dental hygienists’ salaries are evidence of location playing a key role in their supply and demand. Interestingly, West Coast states like California ($91,455) and Washington ($88,239) offer higher salaries compared to the East Coast, where Connecticut leads at $93,213, but states like Florida ($66,131) are much lower. In contrast, the Midwest shows moderate pay, with Illinois at $74,833.
| State | Yearly Avg. Salary of Dental Hygienist | Dental Hygienist Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $68,004 per year | $32.69 per hour |
| Alaska | $84,430 per year | $40.59 per hour |
| Arizona | $88,388 per year | $42.49 per hour |
| Arkansas | $71,817 per year | $34.53 per hour |
| California | $91,455 per year | $43.97 per hour |
| Colorado | $78,161 per year | $37.58 per hour |
| Connecticut | $93,213 per year | $44.81 per hour |
| Delaware | $90,639 per year | $43.58 per hour |
| District of Columbia | $88,594 per year | $42.59 per hour |
| Florida | $66,131 per year | $31.79 per hour |
| Georgia | $66,099 per year | $31.78 per hour |
| Hawaii | $68,693 per year | $33.03 per hour |
| Idaho | $84,707 per year | $40.72 per hour |
| Illinois | $74,833 per year | $35.98 per hour |
| Indiana | $74,669 per year | $35.90 per hour |
| Iowa | $70,829 per year | $34.05 per hour |
| Kansas | $73,508 per year | $35.34 per hour |
| Kentucky | $72,940 per year | $35.07 per hour |
| Louisiana | $76,142 per year | $36.61 per hour |
| Maine | $88,714 per year | $42.65 per hour |
| Maryland | $89,103 per year | $42.84 per hour |
| Massachusetts | $93,079 per year | $44.75 per hour |
| Michigan | $83,647 per year | $40.21 per hour |
| Minnesota | $73,277 per year | $35.23 per hour |
| Mississippi | $71,654 per year | $34.45 per hour |
| Missouri | $72,006 per year | $34.62 per hour |
| Montana | $78,256 per year | $37.62 per hour |
| Nebraska | $71,931 per year | $34.58 per hour |
| Nevada | $91,430 per year | $43.96 per hour |
| New Hampshire | $92,209 per year | $44.33 per hour |
| New Jersey | $92,366 per year | $44.41 per hour |
| New Mexico | $87,248 per year | $41.95 per hour |
| New York | $92,508 per year | $44.48 per hour |
| North Carolina | $73,896 per year | $35.53 per hour |
| North Dakota | $73,318 per year | $35.25 per hour |
| Ohio | $81,179 per year | $39.03 per hour |
| Oklahoma | $75,340 per year | $36.22 per hour |
| Oregon | $88,402 per year | $42.50 per hour |
| Pennsylvania | $90,819 per year | $43.66 per hour |
| Rhode Island | $93,609 per year | $45.00 per hour |
| South Carolina | $66,051 per year | $31.76 per hour |
| South Dakota | $70,594 per year | $33.94 per hour |
| Tennessee | $70,392 per year | $33.84 per hour |
| Texas | $81,559 per year | $39.21 per hour |
| Utah | $83,241 per year | $40.02 per hour |
| Vermont | $89,197 per year | $42.88 per hour |
| Virginia | $85,107 per year | $40.92 per hour |
| Washington | $88,239 per year | $42.42 per hour |
| West Virginia | $81,428 per year | $39.15 per hour |
| Wisconsin | $76,588 per year | $36.82 per hour |
| Wyoming | $76,465 per year | $36.76 per hour |
*source: Zippia[6]
It’s worth noting that the salaries themselves should not determine what location to move to for practicing dental hygienists. Typically, higher salaries are paid at locations with high candidate competition and cost of living. So, do consider your lifestyle preferences and personal obligations before planning to move.
Dental Hygienist Salary v/s Popular Dentistry Jobs Salaries
A dental hygienist earns a median annual salary (of $87,530), which is only about 36% of what Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and Orthodontists make (over $239,000). However, compared to dental assistants ($46,540), dental hygienists tend to make double annually, Clearly, much like location, within popular dentistry jobs as well, the salaries are highlighted by significant disparities.
| Dentistry Jobs | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | > $239,000 per year |
| Orthodontist | > $239,000 per year |
| Dentist | $170,910 per year |
| Dental Hygienist | $87,530 per year |
| Dental Assistant | $46,540 per year |
*source: Forbes Advisor Education[7]
Suggested Reading: Navigating Career Paths in Healthcare: How to Choose Your Specialization
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Endnote
Salary plays a major role in deciding your career choices as a dental hygienist – from the location to move to, to education or certifications to pursue. That said, the overall trajectory of dental hygienist salaries appears positive as the BLS[1] projects their job to grow at 7% (between 2022-32) – which is more than twice the average job. Despite a dip in 2023, the rate of growth in dental hygienist salaries has maintained a decent 1.3% year-on-year[6].
Lastly, all things equal, what can set you up for a higher dental hygienist salary than your peers is – your negotiation skills. And the smartest way to strengthen your position in salary discussions is to network with fellow Dental hygienists in your locality and across the US.
FAQ
What are the highest-paid dental hygienists?
Because the payment range for dental hygienists changes for their location, education, experience, etc. – so, it’s tough to give one answer for the highest-paid dental hygienists. However, location-wise speaking, in Sacramento, CA they get paid the most at $94,660 per year, or $45.51 hourly.
Where in Florida do dental hygienists make the most money?
The highest-paying cities in Florida considering the average dental hygienist salary per year are: Jacksonville ($87,038), Tampa ($85,594), and Saint Augustine ($85,581)[3].
How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Ohio?
In Ohio, a dental hygienist makes $92,724 on average yearly; the salary ranges from $67,092 – $128,149[3].
How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Canada?
The average dental hygienist salary in Canada is $87,947 per year or $45.10 per hour[8].
How do I know if I am being paid fairly as a dental hygienist?
The most practical way to compare your dental hygienist’s salary with that in the market is to – ask the market itself. The simple way to do so is to connect with other dental hygienists in your area today.
References
[1] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm
[2] https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/business/hr-payroll/average-salary-us/
[3] https://www.indeed.com/career/dental-hygienist/salaries?from=top_sb
[4] https://www.salary.com/tools/benefits-calculator/dental-hygienist
[5] https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Dental_Hygienist/Hourly_Rate
[6] https://www.zippia.com/salaries/dental-hygienist/
[7] https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/healthcare/dental-jobs/
