Healthcare Wisconsin (WI) Rank #26 of 50

Dental Hygienist Salary in Wisconsin

The median dental hygienist salary in Wisconsin is $76,516 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $81,400.

Median Salary
$76,516
vs National
$-4,884
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Dental Hygienist Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #26 out of 50 states for dental hygienist compensation. Dental Hygienist salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $76,516 per year, dental hygienists in Wisconsin earn $4,884 less than the national median of $81,400.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $76,516 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $83,170 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: dental hygienists at the 10th percentile earn $54,708, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $101,708 — a $47,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $83,028.

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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $51,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,700 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,700
$-3,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,700
$-6,300 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $54,708
25th Percentile $63,544
Median (50th) $76,516
75th Percentile $92,120
90th Percentile $101,708

Dental Hygienist Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for dental hygienists in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental CleaningX-ray ImagingPatient EducationPeriodontal AssessmentInfection ControlDental Software

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Wisconsin is $76,516 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $54,708 (10th percentile) to $101,708 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,516, a dental hygienist in Wisconsin earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for dental hygienists? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #26 out of 50 states for dental hygienist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level dental hygienists earn $51,700, while senior professionals earn $98,700.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for dental hygienist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental hygienists is Hawaii at $144,892. Wisconsin's median of $76,516 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($78,958) and Texas ($76,516).
What is the entry-level dental hygienist salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level dental hygienist in Wisconsin earns approximately $51,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $75,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $98,700.
What city in Wisconsin pays dental hygienists the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for dental hygienists, with a median salary of $83,028. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.