How much does a Dental Hygienist make?
Becoming a Dental Hygienist can offer a rewarding career with a competitive salary. On average, a Dental Hygienist makes about $101,863 per year. This income can vary based on several factors, including experience, location, and type of employer. For those just starting, the salary can be lower, but with experience, the potential for higher earnings increases significantly.
Here are the salary ranges for Dental Hygienists based on experience:
- The bottom 10% earns less than $67,113 per year.
- The next 10% earns between $67,113 and $74,307 per year.
- The next 10% earns between $74,307 and $81,502 per year.
- The next 10% earns between $81,502 and $88,696 per year.
- The next 10% earns between $88,696 and $95,890 per year.
- The next 10% earns between $95,890 and $103,084 per year.
- The next 10% earns between $103,084 and $110,279 per year.
- The next 10% earns between $110,279 and $117,473 per year.
- The next 10% earns between $117,473 and $124,667 per year.
- The top 10% earns between $124,667 and $146,250 per year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Hygienist?
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $140,671
In Seattle, you'll find many clinics and dental practices seeking skilled professionals. The city's diverse population offers a variety of cases to handle. Major dental groups like Delta Dental and King County Public Health provide good opportunities.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $140,613
San Francisco offers a vibrant healthcare environment with many advanced dental clinics. The city’s high cost of living is offset by competitive salaries. UCSF Health and private practices here have excellent reputations.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $137,513
San Jose has a strong demand for dental hygienists. Many tech companies offer dental benefits to employees, boosting job availability. Practices like Kaiser Permanente and local dental groups are always hiring.
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Memphis, TN
Average Salary: $130,435
Memphis provides a more relaxed pace with a strong community focus. Dental practices here value patient care and professional growth. Companies like Baptist Memorial Health Care offer excellent work environments.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $130,111
Santa Maria offers a slower lifestyle with beautiful surroundings. The city has many family-owned dental practices. Employers like Cottage Health focus on quality care and employee satisfaction.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $128,993
Vallejo provides a balanced work environment with a mix of private and public practices. The area’s growing population means more opportunities. Places like Kaiser Permanente Vallejo are known for their supportive atmosphere.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $128,402
Salinas has a tight-knit community with many family-run dental offices. The area’s agricultural presence offers unique patient demographics. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is a prominent employer here.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $127,939
Anchorage offers a unique environment with long days in summer and short days in winter. The city's isolation means fewer professionals, creating more opportunities. Dental practices here value teamwork and resilience.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $127,652
Washington, DC provides a dynamic work environment with many federal and private dental practices. The city’s high demand for healthcare services offers diverse job options. Employers like MedStar Health offer excellent benefits.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $124,425
Boulder offers a healthy lifestyle with many outdoor activities. The city’s focus on wellness boosts job prospects. Employers like Boulder Community Health provide a supportive work environment.
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What are the best companies a Dental Hygienist can work for?
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Hilde Family Dentistry
Average Salary: $287,656
Hilde Family Dentistry offers high-paying positions for Dental Hygienists. They focus on family care and have locations in the Midwest. Their modern facilities ensure a comfortable work environment.
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Chrisad
Average Salary: $192,359
Chrisad provides comprehensive dental services. Dental Hygienists enjoy competitive salaries and work in various states across the U.S. The company emphasizes patient care and professional development.
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The Dentist Group
Average Salary: $162,923
The Dentist Group has multiple locations nationwide. Dental Hygienists here benefit from a supportive team environment. They focus on advanced dental care and patient education.
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Dental Experts
Average Salary: $162,059
Dental Experts is known for its specialized dental care services. Dental Hygienists earn attractive salaries. The company operates in many states, providing diverse work experiences.
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Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics
Average Salary: $147,892
Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics offers rewarding roles for Dental Hygienists. They serve a wide area and focus on comprehensive dental care. Employees benefit from a family-friendly atmosphere.
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Park Dental
Average Salary: $140,325
Park Dental provides excellent opportunities for Dental Hygienists. They have many locations and prioritize patient care. The company fosters a collaborative work environment.
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Interim HealthCare
Average Salary: $137,123
Interim HealthCare offers competitive pay for Dental Hygienists. They have locations across several states. The company values professional growth and patient-centered care.
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Dental Connections
Average Salary: $136,176
Dental Connections is a leading provider of dental services. Dental Hygienists enjoy good salaries and work in multiple locations. The company emphasizes teamwork and patient satisfaction.
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Hero Practice Services
Average Salary: $133,500
Hero Practice Services offers stable employment for Dental Hygienists. They operate in several states and focus on high-quality dental care. The company values employee well-being.
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Arthur, Marshall Inc.
Average Salary: $132,143
Arthur, Marshall Inc. provides rewarding roles for Dental Hygienists. They have multiple locations and offer a supportive work environment. The company is committed to patient care and professional development.
How to earn more as a Dental Hygienist?
Becoming a Dental Hygienist can lead to a stable and rewarding career. However, it is possible to earn more in this field with the right strategies. A Dental Hygienist can boost their earnings by focusing on the following key areas:
- Advanced Certifications: Obtaining certifications in specialized areas like periodontal therapy or orthodontics can increase earning potential.
- Geographic Location: Working in high-demand areas or cities with a higher cost of living often results in higher salaries.
- Experience: Gaining more years of experience in the field can lead to promotions and higher pay rates.
- Additional Duties: Taking on extra responsibilities such as administrative tasks or teaching can lead to a higher salary.
- Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.
To achieve higher earnings, Dental Hygienists should consider investing in further education, seeking positions in high-demand areas, and expanding their skill set. These steps can open doors to better-paying jobs and more career opportunities.
