Healthcare Rhode Island (RI) Rank #12 of 50

Dental Hygienist Salary in Rhode Island

The median dental hygienist salary in Rhode Island is $87,912 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $81,400.

Median Salary
$87,912
vs National
+$6,512
State Rank
#12 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Dental Hygienist Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #12 out of 50 states for dental hygienist compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for dental hygienist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $87,912 per year, dental hygienists in Rhode Island earn $6,512 more than the national median of $81,400.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning dental hygienist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: dental hygienists at the 10th percentile earn $62,856, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $116,856 — a $54,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $90,354.

Nationally, dental hygienist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dental hygienists across the country.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $59,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,400 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,400
+$4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,400
+$6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$113,400
+$8,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $62,856
25th Percentile $73,008
Median (50th) $87,912
75th Percentile $105,840
90th Percentile $116,856

Dental Hygienist Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for dental hygienists in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Rhode Island

Education

Most dental hygienist positions require a associate's degree. Rhode Island has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental CleaningX-ray ImagingPatient EducationPeriodontal AssessmentInfection ControlDental Software

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, dental hygienist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Rhode Island's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Rhode Island is $87,912 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $62,856 (10th percentile) to $116,856 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,912, a dental hygienist in Rhode Island earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for dental hygienists? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #12 out of 50 states for dental hygienist pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level dental hygienists earn $59,400, while senior professionals earn $113,400.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for dental hygienist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental hygienists is Hawaii at $144,892. Rhode Island's median of $87,912 ranks #12 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oregon ($91,168) and New Hampshire ($87,912).
What is the entry-level dental hygienist salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level dental hygienist in Rhode Island earns approximately $59,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $86,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $113,400.
What city in Rhode Island pays dental hygienists the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for dental hygienists, with a median salary of $90,354. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.