Healthcare Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Dental Hygienist Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median dental hygienist salary in Boston, MA is $130,240 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$130,240
vs State Avg
+$13,838
vs National
+$48,840
Cost of Living
152%

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

Boston offers a median dental hygienist salary of $130,240, which is $13,838 above the Massachusetts state average of $116,402. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston'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 Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Boston 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. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, 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 Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
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 Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$136,752
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$96,052
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$91,982
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$86,284
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Boston

Education

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

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Boston

Browse open dental hygienist positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Boston

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Boston, Massachusetts 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 Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $130,240, a dental hygienist in Boston earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼
Boston's median dental hygienist salary of $130,240 is 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average of $116,402. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $130,240 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Boston? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Boston 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.