Dental Hygienist Salary in Lexington, KY: $75,702 (2026)

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

Lexington offers a median dental hygienist salary of $75,702, which is $4,884 above the Kentucky state average of $70,818. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lexington's cost of living is 93% 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 Lexington spans from $54,126 at the 10th percentile to $100,626 at the 90th percentile — a $46,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,150, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,650. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Lexington by Experience

In Lexington, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $51,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$51,150

$-3,850 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$74,400

$-5,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$97,650

$-7,350 vs national

Percentile	Lexington	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$54,126	$50,634	$58,200
25th Percentile	$62,868	$58,812	$67,600
Median (50th)	$75,702	$70,818	$81,400
75th Percentile	$91,140	$85,260	$98,000
90th Percentile	$100,626	$94,134	$108,200

Percentile

Lexington

10th Percentile

$54,126

25th Percentile

$62,868

Median (50th)

$75,702

75th Percentile

$91,140

90th Percentile

$100,626

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Lexington

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Lexington

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Lexington, KY? ▼

The median dental hygienist salary in Lexington, Kentucky is $75,702 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $54,126 (10th percentile) to $100,626 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Lexington? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $75,702, a dental hygienist in Lexington earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Lexington compare to the Kentucky state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼

Lexington's median dental hygienist salary of $75,702 is 6.9% above the Kentucky state average of $70,818. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Lexington, KY? ▼

Lexington has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $75,702 in Lexington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Lexington? ▼

Most dental hygienist positions in Lexington 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.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Lexington, Kentucky