Healthcare Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Dental Hygienist Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median dental hygienist salary in Wilmington, DE is $87,098 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 3.9% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$87,098
vs State Avg
+$3,256
vs National
+$5,698
Cost of Living
105%

Dental Hygienist Pay in Wilmington: What to Expect (2026)

Wilmington offers a median dental hygienist salary of $87,098, which is $3,256 above the Delaware state average of $83,842. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Wilmington pays above average for this role.

Wilmington's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Wilmington spans from $62,274 at the 10th percentile to $115,774 at the 90th percentile — a $53,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,850, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,350. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $58,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,850
+$3,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,600
+$5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,350
+$7,350 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $62,274
25th Percentile $72,332
Median (50th) $87,098
75th Percentile $104,860
90th Percentile $115,774

Dental Hygienist Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$84,656
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$82,214
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$81,400
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$79,772
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Wilmington

Education

Most dental hygienist positions require a associate's degree. Wilmington and the surrounding Delaware 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 Wilmington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open dental hygienist positions in Wilmington, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $87,098 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $62,274 (10th percentile) to $115,774 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,098, a dental hygienist in Wilmington earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼
Wilmington's median dental hygienist salary of $87,098 is 3.9% above the Delaware state average of $83,842. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, DE? ▼
Wilmington has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $87,098 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Wilmington? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Wilmington 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.