Healthcare Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Dental Hygienist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median dental hygienist salary in Lafayette, LA is $71,632 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$71,632
vs State Avg
$-2,442
vs National
$-9,768
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median dental hygienist salary of $71,632, which is $2,442 below the Louisiana state average of $74,074. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $71,632 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for dental hygienists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Lafayette spans from $51,216 at the 10th percentile to $95,216 at the 90th percentile — a $44,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,400, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,400. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $48,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,400
$-6,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
$-12,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $51,216
25th Percentile $59,488
Median (50th) $71,632
75th Percentile $86,240
90th Percentile $95,216

Dental Hygienist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$79,772
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$74,888
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$70,004
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$69,190
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open dental hygienist positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $71,632 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $51,216 (10th percentile) to $95,216 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,632, a dental hygienist in Lafayette earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median dental hygienist salary of $71,632 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $74,074. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $71,632 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Lafayette? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Lafayette 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.