How much does a Dental Hygienist make?
A career as a Dental Hygienist offers competitive and rewarding compensation. The average yearly salary for Dental Hygienists stands at $100,962. This figure reflects the value placed on their crucial role in dental care.
This profession sees a wide range of salaries. At the lower end, some professionals earn around $60,000 annually. This is often the case for those just starting out or in entry-level positions. As experience and expertise grow, so does the potential income. For those in the top 10% of earners, salaries can reach up to $148,000 or more each year. These figures highlight the growth opportunities available in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Hygienist?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $141,602
In San Francisco, dental professionals work in a vibrant, health-conscious environment. City-based clinics offer competitive pay and benefits. Notable employers include UCSF Dental Center and Kaiser Permanente.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $140,663
Seattle's thriving healthcare sector provides ample opportunities. Professionals enjoy a mix of private practices and large health systems. Companies like Virginia Mason and MultiCare offer great benefits.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $138,859
San Jose offers a diverse healthcare landscape. Job seekers find work in both corporate dental offices and independent practices. Notable employers include Dignity Health and Kaiser Permanente.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $133,408
Santa Maria provides a quieter, family-friendly environment. Dental jobs here often come with strong community ties. Companies like Family Health Centers offer a supportive work atmosphere.
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Memphis, TN
Average Salary: $133,381
Memphis boasts a growing healthcare industry with a strong community feel. Job seekers can find positions in both urban and suburban settings. Employers like Baptist Memorial Health Care offer good benefits.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $131,381
Vallejo offers a blend of urban and suburban living. Dental professionals here enjoy a welcoming community. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health provide excellent career opportunities.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $130,835
Anchorage's unique setting provides a rewarding experience for dental professionals. The city offers both private practices and large health systems. Notable employers include Providence Alaska Medical Center and Alaska Native Medical Center.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $129,066
Boulder's health-conscious population means high demand for dental care. Professionals enjoy a strong community and outdoor lifestyle. Companies like Boulder Community Health offer competitive salaries.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $128,384
Washington, DC, offers a dynamic environment with many healthcare facilities. Job seekers can find work in both corporate and independent practices. Notable employers include MedStar Health and Georgetown University Hospital.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $128,271
Salinas provides a close-knit community atmosphere. Dental professionals here enjoy a strong sense of belonging. Companies like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System offer good career opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Dental Hygienist can work for?

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Hilde Family Dentistry
Average Salary: $272,000
Hilde Family Dentistry is a top choice for Dental Hygienists in the Pacific Northwest. They offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment. Their practices are located in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.
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chrisad
Average Salary: $191,788
chrisad, known for its cutting-edge dental technology, offers Dental Hygienists excellent compensation. They operate in multiple states across the U.S., with a focus on providing high-quality patient care.
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The Dentist Group
Average Salary: $163,462
The Dentist Group values its Dental Hygienists highly, offering above-average salaries. Their locations include major cities in California, where they provide comprehensive dental services.
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Dental Connections
Average Salary: $155,938
Dental Connections is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and strong focus on patient education. They have offices in various locations in the Midwest, offering Dental Hygienists a rewarding work experience.
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Seattle's Best Coffee
Average Salary: $151,448
Seattle's Best Coffee, a leader in the coffee industry, offers Dental Hygienists a competitive salary. They operate in major cities throughout the country, combining coffee culture with dental care.
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Dental Group of Evergreen Park
Average Salary: $150,692
Dental Group of Evergreen Park provides Dental Hygienists with a competitive salary and a chance to work in a community-oriented practice. Their clinics are located in the Chicago area, Illinois.
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Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics
Average Salary: $143,649
Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics offers Dental Hygienists a stable work environment with good pay. They serve patients in several states, focusing on both dental and orthodontic care.
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Interim HealthCare Inc.
Average Salary: $141,533
Interim HealthCare Inc. provides Dental Hygienists with the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings. They have locations across multiple states, allowing for diverse experiences.
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Synergy Dental Corp
Average Salary: $138,182
Synergy Dental Corp emphasizes teamwork and offers Dental Hygienists a fair salary. Their practices are located in several cities in Florida, providing a vibrant work atmosphere.
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Park Dental
Average Salary: $137,501
Park Dental offers competitive salaries for Dental Hygienists and a supportive work environment. Their offices are in Minnesota, focusing on personalized patient care.
How to earn more as a Dental Hygienist?
In the field of dental hygiene, professionals have several paths to increase their earnings. By taking certain steps, hygienists can enhance their job satisfaction and income. One key factor is gaining additional certifications. These can open doors to specialized roles that command higher pay. For instance, becoming certified in periodontal therapy or dental anesthesia can lead to better-paying positions.
Another way to earn more is through experience. As hygienists work more and gain expertise, they often see a rise in their salary. Hospitals and larger practices may pay more than smaller clinics. Working in high-demand areas can also lead to higher pay. This includes urban centers or regions with fewer dental professionals. Investing in continuing education also helps. Staying current with the latest techniques and technologies can make a hygienist more valuable.
Seeking advanced degrees is another way to boost income. Many hygienists earn a master’s degree in dental hygiene or related fields. This advanced education often leads to higher-paying positions in teaching or research. Lastly, consider negotiating for a higher salary. Knowing the market rates and your worth can lead to better offers.
Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Dental Hygienist:
- Gain additional certifications.
- Gain more work experience.
- Seek opportunities in high-demand areas.
- Pursue advanced degrees.
- Negotiate for higher pay.



