Healthcare Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Dental Hygienist Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median dental hygienist salary in Hilo, HI is $130,240 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 10.1% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$130,240
vs State Avg
$-14,652
vs National
+$48,840
Cost of Living
152%

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

Hilo offers a median dental hygienist salary of $130,240, which is $14,652 below the Hawaii state average of $144,892. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Hilo pays above average for this role.

However, Hilo's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $130,240 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $85,684. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Hilo spans from $93,120 at the 10th percentile to $173,120 at the 90th percentile — a $80,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $88,000, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $168,000. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $88,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $168,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$88,000
+$33,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,000
+$48,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$168,000
+$63,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $93,120
25th Percentile $108,160
Median (50th) $130,240
75th Percentile $156,800
90th Percentile $173,120

Dental Hygienist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$148,962
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$144,892
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$143,264
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$138,380
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Hilo

Education

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

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Hilo

Browse open dental hygienist positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Hilo

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $130,240 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $93,120 (10th percentile) to $173,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $130,240, a dental hygienist in Hilo earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼
Hilo's median dental hygienist salary of $130,240 is 10.1% below the Hawaii state average of $144,892. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hilo, HI? ▼
Hilo has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $130,240 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Hilo? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Hilo 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.