Dental Hygienist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $70,004 (2026)

Dental Hygienist Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median dental hygienist salary of $70,004, which is $5,698 below the Montana state average of $75,702. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $70,004 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,550 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for dental hygienists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Great Falls spans from $50,052 at the 10th percentile to $93,052 at the 90th percentile — a $43,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,300, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,300. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $47,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$47,300

$-7,700 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$68,800

$-11,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$90,300

$-14,700 vs national

Percentile	Great Falls	MT State	National
10th Percentile	$50,052	$54,126	$58,200
25th Percentile	$58,136	$62,868	$67,600
Median (50th)	$70,004	$75,702	$81,400
75th Percentile	$84,280	$91,140	$98,000
90th Percentile	$93,052	$100,626	$108,200

Percentile

Great Falls

10th Percentile

$50,052

25th Percentile

$58,136

Median (50th)

$70,004

75th Percentile

$84,280

90th Percentile

$93,052

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Great Falls

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Great Falls, MT? ▼

The median dental hygienist salary in Great Falls, Montana is $70,004 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $50,052 (10th percentile) to $93,052 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $70,004, a dental hygienist in Great Falls earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼

Great Falls's median dental hygienist salary of $70,004 is 7.5% below the Montana state average of $75,702. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼

Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $70,004 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most dental hygienist positions in Great Falls 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 Great Falls, Montana