Dental Hygienist Salaries
How much does a Dental Hygienist make?
A Dental Hygienist plays a key role in oral health care. They clean teeth, take X-rays, and educate patients about good dental habits. The average salary for a Dental Hygienist is around $101,376 per year. This means they earn a good living for their important work.
The salary can vary based on experience and location. Those with more experience often earn more. Urban areas tend to offer higher wages compared to rural areas. Some Dental Hygienists also work in specialized settings, which can lead to higher pay. This career offers stability and good earning potential.
What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Hygienist?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $136,068
San Jose offers a thriving environment for dental professionals. With a high demand for dental care, professionals can find many opportunities. Companies like Delta Dental and Smile Brands provide excellent career paths.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $134,831
Seattle is known for its vibrant community and excellent healthcare facilities. Dental professionals here enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Major dental groups like Providence and Kaiser Permanente offer great career growth.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $133,771
San Francisco provides a dynamic setting for dental careers. The city's diverse population ensures a steady flow of patients. Companies such as UCSF Health and Smile Brands are prominent employers here.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $133,155
Salinas offers a welcoming environment for dental professionals. The city's growing population creates many job opportunities. Local practices and chains like Aspen Dental provide excellent career prospects.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $123,434
Santa Maria provides a friendly atmosphere for dental careers. The city's community-focused environment ensures a steady demand for dental services. Local practices and chains like Dental Care Alliance offer good opportunities.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $120,671
Santa Rosa offers a supportive environment for dental professionals. The city's growing population creates many job opportunities. Local practices and companies like Kaiser Permanente provide excellent career growth.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $119,481
Los Angeles offers a bustling environment for dental careers. The city's diverse population ensures a steady flow of patients. Major dental groups like Kaiser Permanente and Aspen Dental provide excellent career growth.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $118,802
Vallejo provides a welcoming environment for dental professionals. The city's community-focused environment ensures a steady demand for dental services. Local practices and chains like Aspen Dental offer good opportunities.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $117,605
Anchorage offers a unique environment for dental professionals. The city's remote location creates a steady demand for dental services. Local practices and companies like Alaska Native Dental Health provide excellent career growth.
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Chico, CA
Average Salary: $117,143
Chico provides a supportive environment for dental careers. The city's community-focused environment ensures a steady demand for dental services. Local practices and chains like Aspen Dental offer good opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Dental Hygienist can work for?

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Chrisad
Average Salary: $193,780
Chrisad offers competitive salaries for Dental Hygienists. They have locations in various cities, providing many opportunities. Their focus on patient care makes it a great place to work.
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Dental Experts
Average Salary: $160,808
Dental Experts pays well for Dental Hygienist jobs. They operate in multiple states, offering diverse work environments. They value professional growth and patient satisfaction.
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The Dentist Group
Average Salary: $154,293
The Dentist Group provides a good salary for Dental Hygienists. They have offices in many regions, allowing for varied experiences. They emphasize teamwork and patient care.
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Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics
Average Salary: $153,942
Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics offers a solid salary for Dental Hygienists. They have locations across several states. They focus on quality care and patient comfort.
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PURE Dental
Average Salary: $133,091
PURE Dental pays well for Dental Hygienist jobs. They operate in many cities, offering diverse work settings. They prioritize patient care and professional development.
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AB Staffing Solutions
Average Salary: $132,405
AB Staffing Solutions offers a competitive salary for Dental Hygienists. They have locations in various states, providing many job opportunities. They focus on patient care and professional growth.
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Interim HealthCare
Average Salary: $128,994
Interim HealthCare provides a good salary for Dental Hygienists. They have offices in many regions, offering diverse work environments. They emphasize patient care and professional development.
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Dental Professionals
Average Salary: $127,925
Dental Professionals offers a solid salary for Dental Hygienists. They operate in multiple states, providing many job opportunities. They focus on patient care and professional growth.
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West Coast Dental Services
Average Salary: $125,870
West Coast Dental Services pays well for Dental Hygienist jobs. They have locations in many cities, offering diverse work settings. They prioritize patient care and professional development.
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Ultimate Dental Group
Average Salary: $125,484
Ultimate Dental Group offers a good salary for Dental Hygienists. They operate in multiple states, providing many job opportunities. They focus on patient care and professional growth.
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. This is because they can work more efficiently and provide better care.
Another way to earn more is by getting specialized certifications. These can include certifications in areas like dental implants or pediatric care. Employers often pay more for these specialized skills. Continuing education is also important. It helps hygienists stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies. This can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. Networking with other professionals can also open doors to higher-paying positions. Joining professional organizations and attending conferences can help hygienists make valuable connections.
Location also plays a big role in earnings. Hygienists in areas with a high demand for dental services often earn more. Urban areas and regions with a shortage of dental professionals tend to offer higher wages. Finally, working in different settings, such as private practices, hospitals, or schools, can also affect earnings. Each setting may offer different pay scales and benefits.
- Gain more experience
- Get specialized certifications
- Continue education
- Network with other professionals
- Consider location and work settings