Dental Hygienist Salary: $94,260/Year (Plus State-by-State Breakdown)
Dental hygienists earn six figures in top states — here’s everything you need to know about pay ranges, highest-paying locations, hourly rates, and what affects your salary.
Quick Answer: The median dental hygienist salary is $94,260 per year ($45.32/hour) according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, pay varies dramatically by state — top earners in Washington make $123,510/year, while dental hygienists in lower-paying states earn around $60,000–$70,000. Your actual salary depends on experience, location, work setting, and certifications. This guide breaks down every factor that affects dental hygienist pay.
How Much Do Dental Hygienists Make? The Real Numbers
According to the latest BLS data, the median dental hygienist salary is $94,260 per year, which translates to $45.32 per hour. The median means half of dental hygienists earn more, and half earn less — it’s the middle point of the salary range.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the salary range is huge. Dental hygienists in the bottom 10% earn around $66,470/year, while those in the top 10% make over $120,060/year. That’s almost double the income — and the difference comes down to location, experience, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Salary Breakdown: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly
Let’s break down what $94,260/year actually looks like across different time periods. These numbers are based on full-time work (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year):
Many dental hygienists work part-time (20–30 hrs/week) for flexibility. At 20 hours/week and $45/hr, you’d earn approximately $46,800/year. At 30 hours/week: $70,200/year. Part-time roles are common and often come with hourly rates $2–$5 higher than full-time positions.
Highest-Paying States for Dental Hygienists
Location is the #1 factor affecting dental hygienist salary. The difference between the highest and lowest-paying states is over $50,000/year. Here are the top and bottom states:
🏆 Top 10 Highest-Paying States
⚠️ Lowest-Paying States for Dental Hygienists
High-paying states typically have higher costs of living, stronger demand for dental services, and stricter licensing requirements. Washington and California, for example, have large populations, high demand, and no corporate practice restrictions — meaning more job opportunities and competitive pay. Lower-paying states often have smaller populations, lower costs of living, and less competition.
Dental Hygienist Salary by Experience Level
Experience makes a massive difference. Here’s what you can expect to earn at each career stage:
7 Factors That Affect Dental Hygienist Salary
Dental Hygienist vs Other Dental Careers: Salary Comparison
How does dental hygienist pay compare to other roles in dentistry?
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Dentist | $191,750 | $92.19 | Doctoral degree (DDS/DMD) |
| Dental Hygienist | $94,260 | $45.32 | Associate degree |
| Dental Assistant | $47,350 | $22.77 | Certificate or associate degree |
| Orthodontist | $240,000+ | $115+ | DDS/DMD + Orthodontics specialty |
| Oral Surgeon | $300,000+ | $144+ | DDS/DMD + Surgery specialty |
Key Takeaway: Dental hygienists earn nearly double what dental assistants make, but roughly half of what general dentists earn — with only 2–3 years of education vs 8+ years for dentists.
How to Become a Dental Hygienist (Education Requirements)
Want to earn $94K/year? Here’s exactly what it takes to become a licensed dental hygienist:
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program
Associate Degree (2–3 years): This is the most common path. Programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools, and universities. Must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Bachelor’s Degree (4 years): Optional but opens doors to higher-paying roles in management, education, or research. Some employers prefer bachelor’s-prepared hygienists.
Step 2: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
This is the written exam required in all 50 states. It tests your knowledge of dental science, patient care, and clinical procedures.
Step 3: Pass a State or Regional Clinical Exam
Most states require a hands-on clinical exam through agencies like WREB, CRDTS, or CDCA. Requirements vary by state — check your state’s Board of Dental Examiners.
Step 4: Obtain State Licensure
All states require dental hygienists to be licensed. You’ll need to apply through your state board, submit transcripts, pass background checks, and provide proof of exams.
Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
Most states require 10–60 hours of continuing education every 1–3 years to renew your license. Topics include CPR, infection control, and new dental techniques.
Time: 2–3 years for associate degree. Cost: $10,000–$40,000 depending on program (community college is cheapest). Return on Investment: With a starting salary of $60K–$75K, most dental hygienists pay off student loans within 2–5 years.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook: Is It Worth ?
The job outlook for dental hygienists is excellent. Here are the key numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- 7% job growth from 2024–2034 — much faster than average (4% for all occupations)
- ~15,300 openings per year from growth + retirements
- 211,000+ dental hygienists currently employed in the U.S.
- Demand is rising as the population ages and preventive care becomes more prioritized
Bottom line: Dental hygiene is a stable, well-paying career with strong job security. The combination of good pay, flexible schedules (many work 3–4 days/week), and low barrier to entry makes it one of the best healthcare careers that doesn’t require a 4-year degree.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary
Ready to Start Your Dental Hygiene Career?
With a median salary of $94,260, strong job growth, and only 2–3 years of education required, dental hygiene is one of the best healthcare careers you can pursue. Find CODA-accredited programs near you and start earning a six-figure income.
Hey there! I’m Kumar, the owner of DollarHire. Alongside working as an Executive SEO Specialist, I studied at a finance institute to strengthen my skills in finance and marketing.
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