Dental Hygienist Salaries

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Dental Hygienist make?

The average salary for a Dental Hygienist is $101,376 per year in the US.

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.

View Dental Hygienist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Hygienist?

Dental hygienists can find some of the best-paying jobs in California. San Jose, Seattle, and San Francisco lead the way with high salaries. These cities offer competitive pay and a chance to work in top-notch dental practices.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Dental Hygienist jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $136,068 and Chico, CA with the lowest at $117,143.
  1. 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.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. 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.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Salinas, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Vallejo, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  10. 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.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Chico, CA

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

Dental Hygienist jobs at Chrisad offer some of the highest pay, with an average salary of $193,780. Dental Experts also provide competitive salaries, averaging $160,808 per year. The Dentist Group pays well, with an average salary of $154,293 annually. These companies value their dental professionals and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Dental Hygienist jobs, highlighting Chrisad with the highest at $193,780 and Ultimate Dental Group with the lowest at $125,484.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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.

  1. Gain more experience
  2. Get specialized certifications
  3. Continue education
  4. Network with other professionals
  5. Consider location and work settings

Currently 6,085 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.
Position
Overview
Dental Hygienist
6,085 Job Openings