Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Dental Hygienist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median dental hygienist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $125,356 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$125,356
vs State Avg
+$6,512
vs National
+$43,956
Cost of Living
146%

Dental Hygienist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median dental hygienist salary of $125,356, which is $6,512 above the California state average of $118,844. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $125,356 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $85,860. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Los Angeles spans from $89,628 at the 10th percentile to $166,628 at the 90th percentile — a $77,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $84,700, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $161,700. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $84,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,700
+$29,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,200
+$43,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$161,700
+$56,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $89,628
25th Percentile $104,104
Median (50th) $125,356
75th Percentile $150,920
90th Percentile $166,628

Dental Hygienist Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Los Angeles

Education

Most dental hygienist positions require a associate's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental CleaningX-ray ImagingPatient EducationPeriodontal AssessmentInfection ControlDental Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental hygienist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Los Angeles

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Los Angeles, California is $125,356 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $89,628 (10th percentile) to $166,628 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,356, a dental hygienist in Los Angeles earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median dental hygienist salary of $125,356 is 5.5% above the California state average of $118,844. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $125,356 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Los Angeles require a associate's degree. Key skills include Dental Cleaning, X-ray Imaging, Patient Education, Periodontal Assessment. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.