Dental Hygienist Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Dental Hygienist make?

The average salary for a Dental Hygienist is $101,344 per year in the US.

Dental hygienists play a key role in oral health care. They clean teeth, take X-rays, and educate patients about dental care. The salary for this job can vary based on experience and location. On average, a dental hygienist earns around $101,344 per year. This is a good figure for those in the field.

The salary range for dental hygienists can be quite broad. Entry-level positions may start at around $67,000 per year. As experience grows, so can the salary. Experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,000 or more annually. Factors like location and the type of employer can also affect earnings. Urban areas often have higher salaries compared to rural areas. Working in a private practice may offer different pay compared to a hospital or public health clinic.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Hygienist?

Job seekers looking to become dental hygienists can find some of the highest paying positions in California. San Jose, Seattle, and San Francisco lead the way, offering salaries above $130,000. Other cities like Salinas, Santa Maria, and Santa Rosa also provide competitive wages, making them attractive options for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Dental Hygienist jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $136,163 and Washington, DC with the lowest at $117,481.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $136,163
    In San Jose, dental professionals enjoy a vibrant community. The city offers many opportunities with well-known dental practices. The cost of living is high, but so are the salaries.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $135,156
    Seattle provides a dynamic environment for dental careers. The city's focus on health and wellness creates many job openings. Dental practices here often have modern facilities.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $133,565
    San Francisco offers a unique setting for dental work. The city's diverse population means varied dental needs. Many dental offices here are part of larger health networks.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $133,155
    Salinas is a smaller city with a tight-knit community. Dental hygienists here often work in family-owned practices. The cost of living is moderate, making it a good choice for many.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Salinas, CA


  5. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $123,985
    Santa Maria offers a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of job opportunities. The city's growing population means more demand for dental services. Many local practices are expanding.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $121,231
    Santa Rosa provides a blend of urban and rural living. The city has many dental clinics and practices. The cost of living is reasonable, and the community is welcoming.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $119,705
    Los Angeles offers a bustling environment with endless opportunities. The city's large population means high demand for dental care. Many dental offices here are part of large chains.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $119,381
    Vallejo offers a mix of urban and suburban living. The city has many dental practices looking for skilled professionals. The cost of living is moderate, and the community is friendly.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Vallejo, CA


  9. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $118,176
    Anchorage provides a unique setting with stunning natural beauty. The city offers many job opportunities in dental care. The cost of living is high, but so are the salaries.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  10. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $117,481
    Washington, DC offers a vibrant and dynamic environment. The city has many dental clinics and practices. The cost of living is high, but the job market is strong.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Washington, DC

What are the best companies a Dental Hygienist can work for?

Dental Hygienists can find excellent opportunities with top-paying companies. Chrisad leads the way with a high average salary of $195,161. Dental Experts and The Dentist Group also offer competitive pay, with averages of $163,405 and $154,185, respectively. These companies provide not only good compensation but also valuable career growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Dental Hygienist jobs, highlighting Chrisad with the highest at $195,161 and Elite Dental Care with the lowest at $125,814.
  1. Chrisad
    Average Salary: $195,161
    Chrisad offers competitive salaries for Dental Hygienists. They operate in various locations, providing comprehensive dental care. Dental Hygienists work in a team-oriented environment to ensure patient satisfaction.


  2. Dental Experts
    Average Salary: $163,405
    Dental Experts is known for its high-paying jobs for Dental Hygienists. They have multiple locations across the country. The company values skilled professionals and offers a supportive work environment.


  3. The Dentist Group
    Average Salary: $154,185
    The Dentist Group offers attractive salaries for Dental Hygienists. They have locations in several states. The company focuses on providing quality dental care and supports career growth for its employees.


  4. Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics
    Average Salary: $152,426
    Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics provides competitive pay for Dental Hygienists. They operate in numerous locations. The company emphasizes patient care and offers a collaborative work environment.


  5. AB Staffing Solutions
    Average Salary: $134,533
    AB Staffing Solutions offers good salaries for Dental Hygienists. They have locations in various regions. The company focuses on matching skilled professionals with the right opportunities.


  6. Interim HealthCare
    Average Salary: $130,811
    Interim HealthCare provides fair compensation for Dental Hygienists. They operate in many areas. The company values teamwork and offers a supportive work environment.


  7. DECA Dental Group
    Average Salary: $129,286
    DECA Dental Group offers competitive pay for Dental Hygienists. They have locations in several states. The company focuses on providing quality dental care and supports professional development.


  8. Dental Professionals
    Average Salary: $128,584
    Dental Professionals offers good salaries for Dental Hygienists. They operate in various locations. The company values skilled professionals and offers a supportive work environment.


  9. West Coast Dental Services
    Average Salary: $126,185
    West Coast Dental Services offers competitive pay for Dental Hygienists. They have locations in several states. The company focuses on providing quality dental care and supports career growth.


  10. Elite Dental Care
    Average Salary: $125,814
    Elite Dental Care provides fair compensation for Dental Hygienists. They operate in many areas. The company values teamwork and offers a supportive work environment.

How to earn more as a Dental Hygienist?

Dental hygienists have many ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on certain areas, they can boost their income. One key factor is gaining more experience. Experienced hygienists often earn more than those just starting out. Another way is to specialize in a certain area of dental care. Specializations can include pediatric dentistry or periodontics. This can lead to higher pay.

Location also plays a big role in earnings. Hygienists in urban areas may earn more than those in rural areas. Continuing education is another important factor. Taking courses and getting certifications can lead to higher-paying jobs. Finally, working in a private practice can often mean higher pay compared to working in a public health setting. These factors can help hygienists earn more in their careers.

Here are some ways to increase earnings:

  1. Gain more experience
  2. Specialize in a certain area
  3. Choose a location with higher pay
  4. Get continuing education
  5. Work in a private practice

Currently 6,707 Dental Hygienist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Dental Hygienist in the US?

Learn what a Dental Hygienist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Dental Hygienist today.
Position
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Dental Hygienist
6,707 Job Openings