Healthcare Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Dental Hygienist Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median dental hygienist salary in Des Moines, IA is $74,888 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$74,888
vs State Avg
+$2,442
vs National
$-6,512
Cost of Living
92%

Dental Hygienist Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median dental hygienist salary of $74,888, which is $2,442 above the Iowa state average of $72,446. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% 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 Des Moines spans from $53,544 at the 10th percentile to $99,544 at the 90th percentile — a $46,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,600, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,600. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $50,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,600
$-8,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $53,544
25th Percentile $62,192
Median (50th) $74,888
75th Percentile $90,160
90th Percentile $99,544

Dental Hygienist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$77,330
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$71,632
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$70,004
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$68,376
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Des Moines

Education

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

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open dental hygienist positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $74,888 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $53,544 (10th percentile) to $99,544 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,888, a dental hygienist in Des Moines earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼
Des Moines's median dental hygienist salary of $74,888 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $72,446. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $74,888 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Des Moines? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Des Moines 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.