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How much does a Dental Hygienist make?

The average salary for a Dental Hygienist is $101,792 per year in the US.

Dental Hygienists play a key role in keeping people's teeth and gums healthy. They earn a solid income for their hard work. On average, a Dental Hygienist makes $101,792 a year. This is a good salary that can help support a comfortable lifestyle.

The earnings of Dental Hygienists can vary based on many factors. These include experience, location, and the type of workplace. For example, those with more years of experience and working in urban areas often earn higher salaries. The table below shows the salary range for Dental Hygienists, from the lowest 10% to the highest 10%.

  • 10th percentile: $68,000
  • 25th percentile: $75,000
  • 50th percentile: $89,000
  • 75th percentile: $110,000
  • 90th percentile: $131,000
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What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Hygienist?

Discover high-paying opportunities for dental hygienists in cities like Seattle, Washington, and San Francisco, California. Both cities offer competitive salaries, making them attractive for those in the field. Additionally, cities such as San Jose, CA, and Santa Maria, CA, also provide excellent earning potential.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Dental Hygienist jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $140,133 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $123,317.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $140,133
    Seattle's dental offices are known for their innovative approach to patient care. Many clinics here embrace new technologies, offering an exciting work environment. Look into practices like Seattle Smiles for top opportunities.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $139,592
    Working in San Francisco means being part of a vibrant community with diverse patients. The city's high demand for dental services provides good job stability. Consider clinics like City Dental for a well-rounded experience.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $137,166
    San Jose offers a thriving healthcare sector, making it an excellent place to grow as a hygienist. The area's tech-savvy population is often proactive about dental health. Companies like Smile Care can offer promising career paths.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $130,330
    Santa Maria provides a community-focused setting for dental professionals. The area's friendly residents and beautiful surroundings make it a pleasant place to work. Look for positions at local practices like Family Dental for a welcoming environment.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $129,396
    Salinas combines a small-town feel with modern dental practices. This city offers a good work-life balance. Clinics such as Salinas Smiles are known for their supportive teams and advanced technology.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Salinas, CA


  6. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $128,671
    Vallejo’s dental field is growing, with many clinics seeking skilled hygienists. The city’s mix of urban and suburban areas provides diverse patient care experiences. Consider positions at Bay Area Dental for career growth.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Vallejo, CA


  7. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $127,543
    Anchorage offers a unique setting with its beautiful landscapes and growing healthcare needs. The city’s dental practices value professionals who can adapt to various environments. Explore opportunities at Northern Lights Dental.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  8. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $126,874
    In Washington, DC, working as a hygienist means being part of a dynamic and politically aware community. The city’s diverse population offers rich professional experiences. Consider positions at Capitol Dental for a rewarding career.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Memphis, TN
    Average Salary: $125,870
    Memphis provides a rich cultural backdrop for dental professionals. The city's clinics often emphasize community care, offering fulfilling job opportunities. Look into practices like River City Dental for a supportive work environment.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Memphis, TN


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $123,317
    Los Angeles offers endless opportunities for a dynamic career in dentistry. The city’s fast-paced environment suits those who thrive on variety. Consider clinics like Hollywood Dental for diverse patient care experiences.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Los Angeles, CA

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

Hilde Family Dentistry offers the highest average salary for Dental Hygienists among these companies, at over $294,000. Dental Experts and Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics also provide competitive wages, with averages above $160,000. Arthur, Marshall Inc., Interim HealthCare, and other firms listed offer salaries around $135,000, still above the industry average.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Dental Hygienist jobs, highlighting Hilde Family Dentistry with the highest at $294,677 and Signature Dental Partners with the lowest at $130,975.
  1. Hilde Family Dentistry
    Average Salary: $294,677
    Hilde Family Dentistry provides quality dental care with a focus on patient comfort. They have multiple locations in the Midwest. As a dental hygienist, you will help with routine cleanings and patient education.


  2. Chrisad
    Average Salary: $192,734
    Chrisad offers a wide range of dental services with several locations across the country. Dental hygienists at Chrisad get to work in a fast-paced environment, providing excellent patient care. They also offer ongoing training and career development.


  3. Dental Experts
    Average Salary: $162,368
    Dental Experts is known for its modern dental practices across the United States. This company values teamwork and innovation, making it a great place for dental hygienists. They focus on preventive care and patient education.


  4. Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics
    Average Salary: $148,338
    Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics has many locations in the West. This company supports dental hygienists by offering a friendly work environment and opportunities for professional growth. They aim to provide high-quality dental care to their patients.


  5. Arthur, Marshall Inc.
    Average Salary: $136,822
    Arthur, Marshall Inc. has several dental offices in the Northeast. They prioritize patient satisfaction and offer a supportive work culture. Dental hygienists here will assist in a variety of dental procedures and patient care.


  6. Interim HealthCare
    Average Salary: $135,704
    Interim HealthCare provides healthcare services, including dental care, with offices across the nation. As a dental hygienist, you will work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure patient well-being. They offer a collaborative and caring work environment.


  7. LARKIN AGENCY
    Average Salary: $134,545
    LARKIN AGENCY focuses on providing excellent dental care with locations in the Southeast. They value their dental hygienists and offer a supportive environment for professional development. The company emphasizes patient education and preventive care.


  8. Hero Practice Services
    Average Salary: $132,700
    Hero Practice Services manages multiple dental practices across the U.S. This company supports dental hygienists by providing a structured work environment and opportunities for advancement. They focus on delivering high-quality dental care to their patients.


  9. Dental Professionals
    Average Salary: $131,774
    Dental Professionals operates several dental offices in the Midwest. They offer a positive work environment and opportunities for growth. Dental hygienists here will work on patient care and preventive dental services.


  10. Signature Dental Partners
    Average Salary: $130,975
    Signature Dental Partners has dental practices in many locations across the U.S. They support their dental hygienists with ongoing training and a focus on patient care. The company aims to provide comprehensive dental services to their communities.

How to earn more as a Dental Hygienist?

Dental hygienists can find several ways to increase their earnings. These professionals work with dentists to help patients maintain good oral health. Maximizing earnings often involves a mix of education, experience, and specific skills. These factors can lead to higher-paying positions and more opportunities for advancement.

Consider these five strategies to enhance earning potential. Education plays a crucial role. Many employers prefer candidates with an associate's degree or higher. Specialization in areas such as pediatric dentistry or orthodontics can also open up higher-paying jobs. Gaining additional certifications can boost your resume and make you more attractive to potential employers. Experience matters greatly in this field. Hygienists with more years in the industry often command higher salaries. Seeking positions in metropolitan areas or regions with a high demand for dental care can also lead to better pay.

To further increase earnings, hygienists can aim for leadership roles. Becoming a team leader or practice manager involves additional responsibilities but often comes with a higher salary. Networking within the industry can lead to new job opportunities and potential pay increases. Lastly, consider working in diverse settings such as hospitals, schools, or public health organizations. These environments may offer higher wages and unique benefits. Below is a list of factors to consider:

  1. Obtain higher education degrees.
  2. Pursue specialized certifications.
  3. Gain more years of experience.
  4. Seek positions in high-demand areas.
  5. Consider leadership roles or networking opportunities.

Currently 5,228 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.
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Dental Hygienist
5,228 Job Openings