How much does a Dental Hygienist make?
Dental hygienists play a key role in helping people maintain good oral health. They clean teeth, take X-rays, and educate patients on proper dental care. The average yearly salary for a dental hygienist is $101,939. This means that most dental hygienists earn between $89,000 and $117,000 each year. These figures show that this job can be both rewarding and financially stable.
The salary for dental hygienists can vary based on several factors. These include experience, education, and location. Some hygienists may earn more if they work in a dentist's office, a hospital, or a public health clinic. Others might make more if they have extra training or certifications. The top-earning dental hygienists can make over $138,000 a year. This shows that there are good opportunities for growth and higher earnings in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Hygienist?

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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $138,230
In Seattle, professionals find rewarding work in modern dental practices. The city's focus on health and wellness makes it a great place to grow. Companies like Delta Dental and Kaiser Permanente offer excellent opportunities.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $137,008
San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for those in the dental field. The city's diverse population provides a wide range of experiences. Notable dental groups include UCSF Health and Smile Brands.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $135,304
San Jose provides a vibrant setting for dental careers. The tech-savvy culture enhances professional growth. Working with companies like Align Technology and Careington can be very fulfilling.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $130,837
Salinas offers a welcoming community for dental professionals. The city's focus on agriculture creates a unique work environment. Local practices like Salinas Valley Dental Group are highly regarded.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $128,809
Santa Maria provides a friendly atmosphere for dental careers. The city's strong community spirit makes it a great place to work. Local practices like Santa Maria Family Dental offer excellent opportunities.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $126,236
Anchorage offers a unique setting for dental professionals. The city's outdoor lifestyle provides a refreshing change of pace. Companies like Alaska Dental Group and Providence Dental are prominent in the area.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $123,080
Vallejo provides a welcoming environment for dental careers. The city's rich history and scenic beauty make it a great place to live and work. Local practices like Vallejo Dental Group offer excellent opportunities.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $121,937
Washington, DC offers a dynamic setting for dental professionals. The city's political environment provides unique experiences. Companies like Delta Dental and Kaiser Permanente offer excellent opportunities.
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Chico, CA
Average Salary: $121,094
Chico provides a friendly community for dental careers. The city's focus on education creates a supportive work environment. Local practices like Chico Dental Group are highly regarded.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $121,003
Santa Rosa offers a vibrant setting for dental professionals. The city's wine country charm provides a unique atmosphere. Local practices like Santa Rosa Dental Group offer excellent 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: $302,609
Hilde Family Dentistry offers competitive salaries for Dental Hygienists. They focus on providing top-notch dental care in a friendly environment. Hilde Family Dentistry operates in multiple locations, including Springfield and Edwardsville.
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Chrisad
Average Salary: $194,243
Chrisad provides excellent opportunities for Dental Hygienists. They emphasize patient care and professional development. This company operates in various locations, including Chicago and Milwaukee.
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Dental Experts
Average Salary: $163,571
Dental Experts is known for its supportive work environment. They offer comprehensive benefits and career growth opportunities. Dental Experts operates in several locations, including Denver and Phoenix.
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Dr. Zak Dental Care
Average Salary: $162,500
Dr. Zak Dental Care values its Dental Hygienists. They offer a welcoming atmosphere and focus on patient satisfaction. This company operates in locations such as Houston and Austin.
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Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics
Average Salary: $150,381
Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics provides a stable environment for Dental Hygienists. They offer competitive pay and opportunities for advancement. They operate in several locations, including Dallas and San Antonio.
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Interim HealthCare
Average Salary: $137,471
Interim HealthCare offers a supportive setting for Dental Hygienists. They focus on patient care and professional growth. This company operates in various locations, including Minneapolis and St. Paul.
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AB Staffing Solutions
Average Salary: $133,435
AB Staffing Solutions provides good opportunities for Dental Hygienists. They offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment. They operate in several locations, including Atlanta and Charlotte.
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Signature Dental Partners
Average Salary: $133,418
Signature Dental Partners offers a positive work environment for Dental Hygienists. They focus on patient care and professional development. They operate in various locations, including Seattle and Portland.
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Dental Professionals
Average Salary: $129,898
Dental Professionals provides a supportive environment for Dental Hygienists. They offer competitive pay and opportunities for growth. They operate in several locations, including Boston and Providence.
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DECA Dental Group
Average Salary: $129,574
DECA Dental Group offers a welcoming atmosphere for Dental Hygienists. They focus on patient care and professional development. They operate in various locations, including San Francisco and Los Angeles.
How to earn more as a Dental Hygienist?
Dental hygienists have many opportunities to increase their earnings. They can do this by gaining more experience, improving their skills, and exploring different work settings. Each of these factors can lead to higher pay and more job satisfaction. Focusing on these areas can help hygienists achieve their financial goals.
Here are some ways to earn more as a dental hygienist:
- Get more experience: Working in the field for several years can lead to higher pay. Experienced hygienists often have more knowledge and skills. This makes them more valuable to employers.
- Specialize in a niche: Some hygienists choose to specialize in areas like pediatrics or periodontics. Specializing can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities. It also allows hygienists to work with specific patient groups.
- Pursue advanced certifications: Earning additional certifications can boost earnings. For example, certifications in dental anesthesia or laser therapy can make a hygienist more marketable. They can also command higher salaries.
- Work in high-demand areas: Some regions have a higher demand for dental hygienists. Working in these areas can lead to higher pay. Urban areas and places with a shortage of hygienists often offer better salaries.
- Consider alternative work settings: Hygienists can work in various settings, such as private practices, hospitals, or schools. Each setting has different pay scales. Exploring these options can lead to higher earnings.



