Healthcare Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Dental Hygienist Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median dental hygienist salary in Seattle, WA is $123,728 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 27.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$123,728
vs State Avg
+$26,862
vs National
+$42,328
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median dental hygienist salary of $123,728, which is $26,862 above the Washington state average of $96,866. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $123,728 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,600. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Seattle spans from $88,464 at the 10th percentile to $164,464 at the 90th percentile — a $76,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,600, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,600. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $83,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,600
+$28,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,600
+$41,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,600
+$54,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $88,464
25th Percentile $102,752
Median (50th) $123,728
75th Percentile $148,960
90th Percentile $164,464

Dental Hygienist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$126,984
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$92,796
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$86,284
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$78,144
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Seattle

Education

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

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Seattle

Browse open dental hygienist positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Seattle

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Seattle, Washington is $123,728 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $88,464 (10th percentile) to $164,464 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,728, a dental hygienist in Seattle earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼
Seattle's median dental hygienist salary of $123,728 is 27.7% above the Washington state average of $96,866. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $123,728 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Seattle? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Seattle 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.