Healthcare

Dental Hygienist Salary

Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases, and provide preventive dental care and education on maintaining good oral health.

Median Salary
$81,400
Mean Salary
$84,040
Total Employed
229,600
Job Growth
+7%

Dental Hygienist Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level dental hygienists earn around $55,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $80,000. Senior-level dental hygienists can earn $105,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for dental hygienists varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $58,200, while the top 10% earn $108,200.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $58,200
25th Percentile $67,600
50th Percentile (Median) $81,400
75th Percentile $98,000
90th Percentile $108,200

Dental Hygienist Salary by State

Dental Hygienist salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $144,892, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $65,934.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $144,892 Details →
#2 California $118,844 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $116,402 Details →
#4 Alaska $105,006 Details →
#5 New York $103,378 Details →
#6 New Jersey $97,680 Details →
#7 Washington $96,866 Details →
#8 Connecticut $94,424 Details →
#9 Maryland $92,796 Details →
#10 Oregon $91,168 Details →
#11 New Hampshire $87,912 Details →
#12 Rhode Island $87,912 Details →
#13 Colorado $87,098 Details →
#14 Virginia $86,284 Details →
#15 Delaware $83,842 Details →
#16 Vermont $83,842 Details →
#17 Minnesota $82,214 Details →
#18 Florida $81,400 Details →
#19 Maine $81,400 Details →
#20 Nevada $80,586 Details →
#21 Pennsylvania $80,586 Details →
#22 Arizona $78,958 Details →
#23 Illinois $78,958 Details →
#24 Utah $78,958 Details →
#25 Texas $76,516 Details →
#26 Wisconsin $76,516 Details →
#27 Georgia $75,702 Details →
#28 Montana $75,702 Details →
#29 Idaho $74,888 Details →
#30 North Carolina $74,888 Details →
#31 Ohio $74,888 Details →
#32 Louisiana $74,074 Details →
#33 New Mexico $74,074 Details →
#34 Tennessee $74,074 Details →
#35 Indiana $73,260 Details →
#36 Michigan $73,260 Details →
#37 Nebraska $73,260 Details →
#38 North Dakota $73,260 Details →
#39 Wyoming $73,260 Details →
#40 Iowa $72,446 Details →
#41 South Carolina $72,446 Details →
#42 Missouri $71,632 Details →
#43 South Dakota $71,632 Details →
#44 Alabama $70,818 Details →
#45 Kansas $70,818 Details →
#46 Kentucky $70,818 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $68,376 Details →
#48 Arkansas $66,748 Details →
#49 West Virginia $66,748 Details →
#50 Mississippi $65,934 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Clean teeth and remove plaque, tartar, and stains
  • ● Examine patients for signs of oral disease and abnormalities
  • ● Take and develop dental X-rays
  • ● Apply preventive treatments such as sealants and fluoride
  • ● Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques

Top Skills

Dental Cleaning X-ray Imaging Patient Education Periodontal Assessment Infection Control Dental Software

Education Required

Associate's degree

Job Outlook

Faster than average — projected 7% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Hygienist Salaries

How much does a Dental Hygienist make per year? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in the United States is $81,400 per year. Entry-level positions start around $55,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $105,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $84,040.
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $81,400 per year, a dental hygienist earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for dental hygienists? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for dental hygienists, with a median salary of $144,892. Other top-paying states include California ($118,844) and Massachusetts ($116,402).
What education do you need to become a dental hygienist? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions require a associate's degree. Key skills include Dental Cleaning, X-ray Imaging, Patient Education, Periodontal Assessment. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for dental hygienists? ▼
Employment for dental hygienists is projected to grow 7% over the next decade, which is faster than average. There are currently 229,600 dental hygienists employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level dental hygienist make? ▼
An entry-level dental hygienist with 0-2 years of experience earns around $55,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $80,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $58,200, while the top 10% earn $108,200.