Healthcare Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Dental Hygienist Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median dental hygienist salary in Erie, PA is $70,818 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 12.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$70,818
vs State Avg
$-9,768
vs National
$-10,582
Cost of Living
84%

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

Erie offers a median dental hygienist salary of $70,818, which is $9,768 below the Pennsylvania state average of $80,586. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $70,818 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $84,307 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for dental hygienists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Erie spans from $50,634 at the 10th percentile to $94,134 at the 90th percentile — a $43,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,850, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $91,350. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $47,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,850
$-7,150 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,600
$-10,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,350
$-13,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $50,634
25th Percentile $58,812
Median (50th) $70,818
75th Percentile $85,260
90th Percentile $94,134

Dental Hygienist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$85,470
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$78,958
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$78,144
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$74,074
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Erie

Education

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

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Erie

Browse open dental hygienist positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Erie

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $70,818 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $50,634 (10th percentile) to $94,134 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,818, a dental hygienist in Erie earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼
Erie's median dental hygienist salary of $70,818 is 12.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $80,586. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $70,818 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Erie? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Erie 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.